Wednesday December 14, 2016
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Kaieteur News
APNU+AFC Ministers doing Is the WPA’s Tacuma Ogunseye a paid hypocrite? good work in Rupununi DEAR EDITOR; I usually refrain from responding to the utterance of Tacuma Ogunseye since I was advised that he is on the payroll of a government that chose to bring forth this antiworking class 2017 Budget. If this is the case, then he is no friend of the working class. Has Tacuma totally divorced himself from the revolutionary street corner politics of Rodneyism in exchange for gold coins? By way of this 2017 Budget, these political elitists think that they can abrogate the power to legislate what is right for the working man without even offering them an opportunity to engage in the process. Clearly if the workers were consulted, they would have never recommended a VAT on water and electricity. But untruth cannot stand and that is why I chose to engage Tacuma today, which from my perspective will be an exception rather than a norm since I do not deal with rabid propagandists peddling their wicked agenda. For Tacuma’s education, let us bring some truth to the conversation. First off – I am on record as combating the PPP since 2008 on the issues when I observed that they were separating from that rich Jaganite political struggle of working class empowerment. So even though Tacuma is trying his very best by way of his covert racism to stitch me to the PPP, the fact remains that I have not visited Freedom House since 2008 or engaged with any PPP executive member in any 1-2-1 conversations since 2011. The people are disappointed with the high level of corruption and incompetence under the Granger administration and their failure to economically transform the nation which would redound to the benefit of the workers of Guyana. But we must accept we made a mistake since it is clear as day that the Minister of Finance and his cabinet colleagues as a collective are a total disappointment. I was wrong to have expected any better from the Granger administration that clearly has a deficit of transformational ideas to expand the wealth of the nation. Rather, what we have in our midst is a cabinet cabal that is focused on friends and family just like the Donald Ramotar government. What is shocking is that after only 18 months, we have had some 20 financial scandals in Guyana
under President Granger. What kind of a man sits on top of such a scheme? I backed a horse in 2015 hoping that he would have done great things for Guyana like a thoroughbred but he turned out to be nothing but a dressed up “ political kangala”. It is time for us in the political center to pick up the pieces and start the battle again for another opportunity at true economic empowerment for the poor and the working class because this entire stable of horses are devious of new ideas on how to drive consumption, investment and exports. We cannot give up; Guyana is too rich potentially to be so poor. As a Guyanese, I have a right to call the 2017 Budget as I see it and my call has nothing to do with the PNC or PPP, but my conscience. But for narrow-minded politicians like Tacuma, if you are East Indian and you call out the PNC, then you are a deemed PPP and vice versa. Shame on you Tacuma! Shame on you for learning so little from Walter Rodney when he shared so much with the people around him! It was either you were not listening to the message or you are a certified dunce. My condemnation of the 2017 Budget has everything to do with a reckless and rude attempt to devour and deflower the working class economically. The PPP did it for a period of time as they approached the end of their term in office and they heard from me but Tacuma was silent then when Dr. Rose and I engaged the PPP. Today by way of this 2017 vampire Budget, the PNC-led government that includes people like Moses Nagamootoo and Rupert Roopnarine (who ought to know better), has broadsided the poor people of Guyana. They shall also hear from me. But only a hypocrite would shout for joy when I called out the PPP, but want to condemn me as I call out the PNC today. Is Tacuma such a paid hypocrite? My path is very consistent and very unwavering and I refuse to be a fair weather politicians like Tacuma Ogunseye, who like a weather cock flip-flops on the issues based on the number of gold coins on the table. Sometimes I wonder, who sold out Walter Rodney in the 1970’s to the PNC? Tacuma how long have you been collecting gold coins? Sase Singh
GWI at Fryish; conspiracy or incompetence? DEAR EDITOR; I am writing to bring to light something that is very unacceptable and occurring within the offices of GWI located at Fyrish, Corentyne. I believe a proper investigation done at the GWI Office in Fyrish, Corentyne will turn up an extremely disturbing and sinister process being conducted on the customers of that company. The office under the guise of an incompetent accounting system, is plainly robbing customers by having them pay for the same water bill multiple times. More troubling is that these acts are perpetrated on the elderly, poorly educated and most times, already economically
poor sections of society. The process runs like this; upon turning up to pay your bill, GWI will call an exorbitant amount for you to pay, usually word of mouth and not in writing. If you are not up to speed with the rates charged for water and not carefully monitoring your payment history (with copies of your receipts), you have no defense against being over charged and will end up paying the amount GWI calls or face termination of this necessary utility. However, if you have been keeping copies of your bills and you counter the GWI’s amount with proof of payment from your receipts, GWI then magically finds
your payments in the computer and your bill amount is reduced. I cannot believe that GWI’s accounting system is so volatile and haphazard that your bill can see-saw thousands of dollars in a couple minutes. This practice is systematic and has been taking place for years at this location. A survey among customers paying their bills at that office will reveal the same complaints listed here. If there is not a deliberate conspiratorial activity behind this then there is terrible incompetency and either way must be rooted out. This kind of victimization of poor people must be investigated; I can think of no other place more suited for an audit than that office. Yogistra Anderson
DEAR EDITOR; During this last quarter of 2016 there have been many visits by ministers of the APNU+AFC coalition government to Lethem and the sub-districts of Region Nine. It was obvious that their presence here in the Rupununi was for government official business, and as senior functionaries, inevitably they were unavailable for direct contact with their party supporters because of their timeconsuming responsibilities. Nevertheless, I wish to commend our Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, who recently took some time off from their busy schedules in Lethem to meet with AFC party supporters to discuss issues relating to the party. This brief but interactive session which was facilitated by these two young and energetic Ministers will go a far way, since it is very important for our leaders to keep a channel of communication open with their grassroots supporters and membership as a means of assessing the mood of their constituencies. It also would be an opportunity for our
ministers to establish a rapport with core members and to give them some insights into strengthening the AFC party base, while moving away from the parochial approach, which has had a negative impact on the lives of the people of the Rupununi. In this way they will create greater participation. This transformational mode is of vital importance to the change that was put in place by the new coalition government, and our AFC leaders can now have their supporters in a position to make some important inputs into the policy-making process. In addition to this, hats off to our Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe and her staff, who all worked tirelessly in the Rupununi to clear up the misconceptions of the HEYS programme that is now in full progress. Our Minister of Business with responsibility for Tourism Dominic Gaskin, was also in Lethem for the Rupununi Expo 2016. Congratulations to his hardworking staff and officers from the Bureau of Statistics who were able to run off a number of training
workshops for business initiatives at St Ignatius village, which were successful. The persons who participated can now apply for a loan or grant to kick start their business when they have completed training. It also was an excellent opportunity to witness the distribution of laptops to our teachers of the Rupununi, when our Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Sydney Allicock and Minister of Public Communications Cathy Hughes made these presentations on November 10 to fulfill a promise made by President David Granger. Things are happening in Rupununi, except for some who are in battle, behaving like 16th century soldiers with outdated weapons, loading and reloading to fire back, and who are out of harmony. Editor, if the AFC can continue to deliver results through their hard-working ministers, there will be good prospects ahead for the people of the Rupununi, and the objectives of the APNU+AFC coalition government will be more readily attained in this new democracy. Mark Anthony Rodrigues
VAT on electricity and water shatters one’s hopes DEAR EDITOR; In light of the recent 2017 Budget announcement by Finance Minister Winston Jordan, of the 14% Value Added Tax which will be imposed on water and electricity (two basic human needs), the Bartica Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) urges the government to rethink the decision and review the 2017 Budget with haste. The Finance Minister must be commended for an early budget and a promise to have the 16% VAT reduced to 14%; however, more questions than answers remain. BCCI views the 2017 Budget as a ‘monster’ budget and believes that a fully loaded cart was put before the horse. BCCI would like to have justification from the government for the poor decision of the proposed implementation of 14% VAT on water and electricity. Bartica’s economy remains in a coma due to falling gold prices, and presently residents and businesses alike are experiencing financial hardships as Barticians
depend solely on mining. The business community is experiencing a slowdown. No economic activity is taking place now and with the recent announcement of 14% VAT on water and electricity this will be seen as the government and the merchants attending the funeral of the poor. The measures outlined in the budget will affect the ordinary man and businesses here, as the merchants will pass on
the increases to the poor. The hospitality and food industry in Bartica will be greatly affected by the proposed 14% VAT. The living standards of residents of Bartica will be greatly affected as most of the 15000 population pays more than $10000 and $1500 per month on electricity and water respectively, and will now be forced to make ornaments of the electrical appliances in Continued on page 6
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Kaieteur News
THE STORY OF JOSEPH “REDS” PERREIRA DEAR EDITOR; Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira is a man to be admired. Like me he came from humble beginnings and he rose to the top in cricket broadcasting from the hinterland of Pomeroon to Lords cricket ground in London, the cricket headquarters of the world. He broadcasted as well from grounds in Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Mumbai, Sri Lanka, Kensington Oval and Sabina Park, not forgetting Bourda where he had his debut in 1971 with West Indies v India, as well as several other grounds in the cricketing world. Reds overcame many odds turning adversity to opportunity. He stammered a lot in his early days and later in life he had a stroke and was bedridden for months, which he overcame and moved on in life. I recall when he joined the Guyana Broadcasting Service (GBS) in 1968 as assistant to Cecil ‘Bruiser’ Thomas. He encountered difficulty starting off reading the sports news because of his speech impediment. I had on a few occasions to clap him on the back to give him a ‘send off’. He was always determined and a go-getter. As Ron Sanders wrote when Perreira launched his book Living my Dreams, Reds has set the example that should inspire young people throughout the world, but especially in his native West Indies. He added that when he (Reds) moved to Georgetown at the age of six, he had never heard a radio or knew that a world existed beyond the Pomeroon river and feeding the pigs on his father’s farm. Reds had a serious problem because of his inability to speak fluently and confidently. Decades later he was one of the best cricket commentators, rubbing
shoulders with the world’s top commentator, John Arlott, Brian Johnson, Freddie Truman and Tony Cozier when he covered the 1975 World Cup Final at Lords. Reds had tremendous initiative. I recall Hugh Cholmondeley, the General Manager of GBS sent him to cover a boxing match in Port of Spain in which a Guyanese boxer participated. I’m not sure if the boxer was Lennox Blackmore. Reds apparently could not get entry to the ringside to cover the match and he went into his hotel room and reported blow by blow from the television to GBS radio which was broadcast live. In those days there was no television in Guyana. He did a fantastic job as sports organizer for the OECS in St Lucia in organizing sports for the sub-region. He was excellent in securing sponsorship from business h o u s e s i n t h e region. I recall while Reds was covering cricket in Australia he would call the names of some
b u s i n e s s m e n w hom he would later tap for sponsorship. He no doubt played an important role to boost sports in those islands. He had excellent public relations since he was a youngster, which enabled him to meet West Indian students in London in the 1960s who later became top politicians and jurists, including Lester Bird of Antigua who recommended him for the OECS job and David Simmons of Barbados who according to Ron Sanders was instrumental in securing a work permit for him to do commentary in Barbados along with Tony Cozier. Reds has decided to retire from international and regional cricket commentary. He is currently doing his last match at Providence between Barbados and Guyana. Best wishes Reds! Enjoy your retirement! I only hope that the officials of Providence see it fit to name the commentators’ booth or the press box after him. Oscar Ramjeet
The conduct of the... From page 4 that prompted me to write this letter. As a Member of Parliament, I have always shown respect to all my colleagues, including those on the Government side, Amna Ally included. But after this is published, I can expect some ‘tongue-lashing’ for having the courage to speak-out against ineptitude and arrogance, the type that has made the Ministry of Social Cohesion more divisive than bringing people together. Harry Gill, MP (PPP)
VAT on electricity and.. From page 5 their homes. For example, if one has a microwave, iron or fan they will avoid using these household appliances out of fear of a monstrous light bill exceeding $10,000 per month. On the other hand, for those residents who do not yet own a microwave, iron or fan they will now think twice about purchasing same. The BCCI also urges the government to consider exempting miners from the ban on used tires as we view the requirement of only new tires to apply to new, well maintained and standard roads. Miners using ATVs, cruisers and trucks will no doubt feel the squeeze of maintaining their vehicles. With new tires on vehicles and bad and unacceptable conditions on the roads leading into the interior, the cost of transporting goods and services there will skyrocket. Not forgetting too that taxi fares and public transportation costs will also increase. Where does that leave the poor? The hopes of the poor and entrepreneurs of elevating their economic status and standards of living have been shattered by the announcement of the proposed 14% VAT on water and electricity. Sherwyn Delano Downer Spokesman BCCI
Wednesday December 14, 2016
This country does not belong only to Minister Jordan DEAR EDITOR; Finance Minister Winston Jordan was heard on Sunday on “Groundings” discussing the 2017 National Budget, in which he sought to get personal with me given that the trade unions and private sector have sought audience with Leaders in the National Assembly about the budget. This opportunity is taken to remind Minister Jordan that as a member of the Executive, elected under the Peoples Representative Act, he is in service to the people. This is our political system and it ought not to be lost sight of by citizens, be they elected, appointed, and within the rank and file. The Guyana Trades Union Congress, of which I am General Secretary, seeks audience with the Leader of the Government Business (Moses Nagamootoo), Leader of the Opposition (Bharrat Jagdeo), and the Speaker (Barton Scotland). This audience is consistent with the tripartite nature of governance that exists in the International Labour Organisation, of which Guyana is a member. Further to that, for the GTUC it is consistent specifically with Articles 13, 23, 38, 147, 149C of the Guyana Constitution. The Minister of Finance may refer to this civil request and constitutional obligation dismissively but such is reflection of his misunderstanding of governance, his role in the process, and outright
contempt for the rule of law. The two Social Partners (employer and workers’ organisations) in soliciting meeting with the third partner (Government) are not operating outside of their role and duty to society under the law and international conventions. Further, as citizens and stakeholders where the right to freedom of expression, including that of dissent, is constitutionally protected, expressing concerns about the budget ought not to have attracted arrogance from a servant of the people, were he to be understanding of his role. The Minister may not like that the social partners are seeking audience with the leaders of the National Assembly, but let me assure him in governance, gut feelings and name calling ought not to drive decisionmaking. Decision-making is driven by international conventions, charters, universal declarations, laws and time-honoured principles, all being applied within a given policy. As an aside, note is taken that in the debate the minister was proud to promote a budget of conflicting economic models, by saying he ‘cut his teeth’ under the leadership of Clarence Ellis, who was Chairman of the State Planning Commission. I know Ellis personally and in an intimate way. The Minster is being advised that Clarence F. Ellis would not
have countenance lots of the measures he placed in the budget, and he would have known that a Green Economy model is vastly different from the Gross Domestic Product model and mixing the two is not practical or wise. Ellis was a progressive thinker who cared passionately about people and their development. He would not have supported any measure designed to impoverish the people and put basic essentials out of their reach. Ellis would not have tolerated an increase in salary of 50 percent for the Ministers of Government, president, and members of parliament. In his straight shooting style he would have told Jordan, “not under my watch!” It is expected that the constitutional leaders in the National Assembly would acknowledge their responsibility to the people under the law and hold the meeting as requested by the trade unions and private sector. This country does not belong solely to Jordan and he must understand once he holds a constitutional office and is paid by the people, he will be subject to scrutiny by the people and their representatives. Prudent politics dictates that he takes note and acts accordingly. This is about understanding the principles of governance which he has a responsibility to uphold. Lincoln Lewis
Please hear our cry and stop this tax on water DEAR EDITOR; One cannot help but agree/disagree with some of the comments pertaining to the 14% VAT on water and electricity. One main point though I think ought to be considered amidst all the hype. Sir, that word is VALUE. Now please understand, I am not against paying taxes but if VAT is to be imposed on water bills, then I must bring out that VALUE aspect. Please tell me from President to resident what VALUE and how much VALUE can be placed on the smelly, rusty coloured liquid that at times trickles from the GWI controlled water mains? Can a decent VALUE be
placed on this so called commodity? 50 years ago we used to drink water from the pipes, no questions asked. Now 50 years after we suffer with technological fix insight and now to be burdened with a tax – a VALUE added tax. What VALUE? Where is the thought process behind this? I ask of all those who recommended this… Where is the humane aspect behind this? In tiny St. Vincent, water can be drunk from the pipes. All over the Caribbean water comes in a presentable and acceptable manner – no foul obnoxious smell. In this
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
land of many waters, one has to endure morning ablutions with terrible water and the last bath at night with still terrible w a t e r. W H Y ? W H Y ? WHY? The thing is we pay a monthly bill for this rusty water and now a 14% VALUE added tax is to be paid for this muck? What VALUE I ask can be tagged to this smelly liquid? I plead with all in authority to carefully heed the requests of the poor and hold back this tax until the water from the pipes is pleasant to taste and smell. Please Mr. President! Please Mr. Finance Minister! Please Mr. Minister of State! and ALL Ministers, PLEASE! Hear our cry and hold back this burden from a suffering nation. Indigenous sufferer A I S H A L T O N , RUPUNUNI
Wednesday December 14, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Abuse of authority… Health Minister does not want to influence Food and Drugs Dept. Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, has denied instructing Director of the Food and Drug (F&D) Department, Marlon Cole, to release all of the consignments belonging to Sueria Manufacturing Incorporated. In a statement from his office, Norton made it clear that the department is a regulatory one and he will not attempt to interfere with its work. “Minister Norton has acknowledged that in all fairness to Mr. Cole’s actions, the F&D is a regulatory body and he would not want to be involved in influencing the body in any way. Minister Norton has insisted that he will not undermine the F&D in its operations. While it is his desire to resolve the situation amicably, he stated that the court remains an avenue which the disgruntled party can use to seek redress.” The issue has been simmering for over a year now, with Sueria Manufacturing and a number of importers accusing Cole of abusing his authority and unfairly holding up their
Health Minister, Dr. George Norton
Businessman, Frank Sanichara
shipments of drinks and other products. They accused Cole of “demanding all sorts of import documents and singling out importers”. They said even when they complied, they were told to bring additional documents. Other large importers were not subjected to the same scrutiny, it was alleged. Sueria’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Frank Sanichara, had joined other importers recently to picket the Ministry of the Presidency and the Ministry of Public Health over the delays. Government had ordered
an investigation and Norton had separately met with Cole and Sanichara for a possible solution. However, Sanichara had complained that he was continuously being targeted with the department even refusing to grant him permission to import food for his children. A number of confidential import documents that were given to F&D by Sueria Manufacturing had also been leaked to the media. Minister Norton, in his statement, yesterday denied a Stabroek News report on Monday, headlined “Norton
Food & Drug Department Director, Marlan Cole instructs Food and Drug Director to release Sueria consignments.” “The article states that
Minister Norton had also instructed the Food and Drug Director to “first seek clearance from him before any decision to seize or withhold any imports.” Norton explained that following allegations by the manufacturing company about victimization meted out to them by Cole, he (Minister Norton) along with Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings and other senior Public Health Officials met with the Director on Monday, November 28, 2016. The Public Health Minister then met with officials of Sueria Manufacturing on Thursday,
December 1, 2016 to discuss the matter. “Consequent to these meetings, it was the intention of Dr. Norton to communicate two courses of action to Mr. Cole, but the correspondence to that effect was never sent.” The courses of action included the establishment of a Drug Advisory Committee and a Food Advisory Committee in accordance with the laws. Sanichara, who has returned home from the US to invest, had complained to President David Granger and several ministers of the “abuses” by the department. It was those complaints that sparked the investigations.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 14, 2016
Cabinet’s no objection role will continue until govt. is weaned from process By Abena RockcliffeCampbell Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall has voiced concerns over the fact that the Cabinet continues to exercise its no objection role, even after the appointment of a Public Procurement Commission (PPC). He claims that this represents a blatant disregard for the rule of law. Nandlall based his statement upon the fact that the Procurement Act “clearly states that Cabinet’s role shall cease upon the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission.” However, Chairman of the
- PPC Chairman PPC, Carol Corbin is saying that there is no disregard for the rule of the law and that the Commission is justified in its position to allow a weaning process. Nandlall highlighted the fact that the PPC was appointed over two months ago. “The Procurement Act provides very clearly, that when the PPC is appointed, Cabinet loses its no objection role in respect of the award of contract.” He said that
from all indications, in breach of the Procurement Act, the Cabinet continues to exercise a no objection power in relation to the award of contracts. Additionally, Nandlall said that a new trend is now developing. “Whenever the tender process does not deliver the desired result and produces a contractor who is not a favoured one of the Administration, the tender process is rescinded for some spurious reason, and the process is done all over again with a view to procure the desired contractor . This defeats the entire Procurement Act and indeed, is an affront to the public procurement process. It is illegal and a corrupt practice which must end now!” The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) noted a case in point to be the stall in the installation of water treatment plants at Uitvulgt. “Then there is a sheet
PPC Chairman, Carol Corbin
PPP/C MP, Anil Nandlall
anchor at Diamond, the first tenders were done last year and capriciously scrapped with no reason provided, although bidders enquired. They were retendered six months ago, but to date no award made. Again, inquiries have gone unanswered.” Nandlall said that this results in massive delays in getting public works done and services rendered to the people of the country. But, Corbin has justified Cabinet’s continued role. She told Kaieteur News that the
PPC is not fully established. She said that there is no office, no secretariat and no staff in place to date. The Chairman said that the functions of the PPC are to monitor all procurement entities to ensure that they are persons in place to carry out procurement functions in a good and proper way. She said that the Commission is to also replace Cabinet’s no objection role. But, this is following a process. Corbin said that the PPC will work with Cabinet until the government is fully
weaned from the procurement process. Her comments are in keeping with sections of the Procurement Act. Section 54(1) of the Procurement Act says, “Cabinet shall have the right to review all procurements the value of which exceeds 15M Guyana dollars. The Cabinet shall conduct its review on the basis of a streamlined tender evaluation report to be adopted by the authority mentioned in section 17 (2). The Cabinet and, upon its establishment, the public procurement commission, shall review annually the Cabinet’s threshold for review of procurements, with the objective of increasing that threshold over time so as to promote the goal of progressively phasing out Cabinet involvement and decentralizing the procurement process.” Then Section 54 (6), which Nandlall is relying on, says, “Cabinet’s involvement under this section shall cease upon the constitution of the Public Procurement Commission except in relation to those matters referred to in subsection (1) which are pending.”
Wednesday December 14, 2016
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Kaieteur News
WHO TO DROP AND WHO TO PICK? The President has indicated that there will be no reshuffling or other changes to his Cabinet. The President means that he has a good team. It does not mean that all the members of the team are performing, just that there is no need at this time to make changes. Persons understandably are disappointed by the refusal of the President to either shuffle his Cabinet or fire some members and bring in new blood. One, however, does not simply chop and change a team simply because some people are not performing. But certainly, when persons embarrass the government there comes a time when chopping has to take place, especially if those persons have lost the confidence of the people. People want to see persons fired. To them this is a sign of seriousness and intolerance for malfeasance, mistakes and poor performance. But the problems are not just at the top, there are also in the middle and at the lower
echelons of society. The President is hamstrung in making changes at the top. He runs a coalition government. He cannot exercise power in the same way that a person who heads a party which has won an election. The President has to consider the fact that there is an alliance between his party and five other parties. It is not that the other parties are holding him back from acting. It is a more complex situation. For one, he is part of a framework which, however imperfect, is the one in which he has to operate. This requires some amount of consensus building. The President simply cannot act of his own accord. There will be consequences. The President also simply cannot take action which can threaten the coalition. He cannot fire one of his own and not touch another from the AFC who may not be performing. But given the arrangement between APNU and the AFC, the President would need to get the approval of the AFC before
firing anyone. And the AFC is not likely to ask that any one of its members be fired. What we are therefore looking at is the possibility of the same faces in Cabinet being there for the next five years. The President was recently reelected as the Leader of the PNCR. He has previously won two of the party’s elections by narrow margins, and both victories were controversial. The President, it is believed, owes his election as leader to Robert Corbin. He was not part of the leadership of the PNC before 2011. He is therefore a political newcomer. He does not have the political experience as other leaders of the party, and since it is felt that he is a newcomer, he does not enjoy the same level of support as the other seasoned leaders of the party. He will therefore be risking political ostracism by the PNC if he attempts to move against some of its powerful leaders. The President is also new to leadership in government. He has had leadership
Dem boys seh...
Chat-3 and ee friends seeing jumbie
Old people always talk a story bout de boy who cry wolf. He carry out ee sheep and then he start to fool people. He holler how de wolf coming fuh attack ee sheep and when de people run out he throw down heself and laugh. De day when de wolf come and de boy holler, nobody ain’t come out and de wolf had a field day wid ee sheep. Of late, is everything de government do getting criticize. If de government talk too hard it shouting at people and it arrogant. Since it miss is trouble. De other day Jagdeo remind Soulja Bai that de party did not fulfill de election promise. That did happen when de coalition fail to lower de VAT. When it lower de VAT is another story. Now dem boys hearing how de coalition punishing and torturing poor people. Dem boys was in parliament when de Speaker tell Dr Nutten to go and open de bond suh de Opposition can see wha deh inside. De news spread and some reporters decide to go to de bond too. Dem boys see when two Pee Pee Pee MPs
tun up. Dem see de reporters, a Minister, and dem see de lawyer. When dem count was only a handful of people and one of dem was a pregnant reporter. De next day de Chat-3 put out three photo pun ee Facebook page. He write how is a mob at de bond. Since when two reporter from de Waterfalls paper, one from de Big Market paper, one from de other newspaper, a lawyer and two residents is a mob? It had to be jumbie. If dem did tek de photo and shut dem mouth even dem own supporters wouldn’t get vex, but now de people see that Jagdeo got all of dem clutching everything. And wha mek dem boys get vex is that Irfaat and Two Edghill been out there, but de person who tek out de photo mek sure that he didn’t show dem talking to de same people who de Chat-3 calling a mob. When de party go to Essequibo over de weekend, de message is that dem confront a mob. Dem boys promise to print de mob photo. Talk half and watch how people does mek up things.
experience in the army, but that is a different type of structure - one that is a command-style bureaucracy. The President, therefore, will need to get his feet wet in government before he attempts any ambitious changes which can backfire on him politically. The President also heads a government which is politically inexperienced. Only two members of his Cabinet have had ministerial experience before. This clearly places him at a disadvantage, since accommodation has to be made for the fact that most
members of Cabinet are serving in that position for the first time. The PPP had a similar experience when they took over in 1992. But Jagan was more adventurous in giving responsibilities to untried and untested persons. The PPP, however, hardly chopped and changed its Cabinet before 2006. The other problem that the President faces is the choices that he has. He is obligated to choose most of his Cabinet from the list of party candidates at the last elections. The persons chosen have
to eventually be a member of the National Assembly or already be part of that assembly. When you go through that list of candidates and the list of parliamentarians, you will find that there is not much for the President to choose from. A lot of persons can be dropped from the team, but where are the suitable replacements?
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Wednesday December 14, 2016
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN...
The puppies were killed because Mr. Gomes did not keep his promise It was one of the saddest pictures to see in a Guyanese newspaper in recent times. The Guyana Chronicle carried the image of a beautiful animal put to death by the authorities at the Correia Airport at Ogle. The dead puppy is one of three that the authorities put down. Travelers deplaning at Ogle said more are being euthanized. The death of these cuties came one week after the Kaieteur News featured the story of Conrad Gomes whose four pitbull pups barely missed being killed at the same airport. The story was carried in the Monday, November 28 edition of KN with photographs of Mr. Gomes, his dogs and two of his
employees. On Wednesday, November 30, my column was devoted to this issue and I questioned why from the interior to Ogle by plane, a Guyanese has to go through Customs when that does not happen by river or road transport. The story of the near death of Mr. Gomes’s puppies moved me deeply, so I spoke to Mr. Gomes, who promised me that we will file writs against the relevant governmental authorities. Sadly, less than a week later, those animals were killed. The question is; did the leaders in government read those KN items to know what was taking place at the airport? My answer is yes. They read KN, they read my columns. Don’t tell me they
don’t. You let me do a column accusing Granger or Nagamootoo or David Patterson of corruption and you will see how quick the phones in the editor’s office will ring; the lawyers’ letters will follow. Rupert Roopnaraine is threatening libel over the D’Urban Park company. He had to have read the newspapers. Aah! Here is the thing. They only read and act on what is written about them. In this psychically broken down, savage land, I could vividly imagine what every leader of the Government said as they had their breakfast reading the papers on Mr. Gomes’ plight and my complaints in that particular column. “Wuh Freddie talking about? Duh killing daags at de airport? Daags? I taught was people Freddie talking about, nat daags.” This is what colonialism has done to the peoples of the Third World. Young
Ashma John, daughter of the famous Splashmin’s owner, did a good article on the effects of colonialism; she made reference to her country. I will devote an entire column on the poignant viewpoint of that young lady. Here is the quote from the Chronicle about what is taking place at Ogle; “Several passengers have expressed shock at the action of authorities who have euthanised and burned several dogs brought to the port from hinterland locations. A passenger reported that the airport authorities “cruelly” killed and burnt three dogs which were brought out from the border location of Eteringbang to Ogle. Two weeks ago, a similar situation had occurred; this time the animals were reportedly brought from another Region Seven aerodrome. The owner of the animal was upset that the airport officials took a decision to euthanise his
dog which was raised in the interior location. The animal was later burnt. It remains unclear if there are any health inspectors at any hinterland airstrip, including those near the country’s borders. “It is unclear whether there is an operational animal health quarantine unit at the Ogle Airport and calls to the numbers provided for airport officials and Ogle Airport Inc which manages the airport, went unanswered in recent days. “On Saturday, officials at the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) on Robb Street expressed surprise at the information. It was noted that the “cruel” measures adopted by the management of the airport did not conform to a 72-hour time period within which the owner of domesticated or terrestrial animals are given to provide the necessary documentation on the health status of animals. In that time period, the animals are
Frederick Kissoon expected to be quarantined.” In my article yesterday, I made reference to the Overdeveloped State in Guyana. It is not concerned with service. There are no quarantine facilities at the Ogle Airport. There are no health inspectors in different regions in the interior. Such services do not occupy the minds of post-colonial leaders. The Overdeveloped State is devoted to state power preservation. Those puppies are dead because Mr. Gomes did not keep his word of filing court documents seeking injunctions against the relevant authorities. If he reads this, I hope we can still proceed. Trust me! Animals are more devoted and loving creatures than Homo sapiens, especially those humans that love power.
Wednesday December 14, 2016
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Kaieteur News
$$M perimeter fence to be constructed at derelict vehicle site During the opening of bids at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) yesterday, there were submissions ranging from $49.4 million to 60.9 million, for the construction of a perimeter fence at the derelict vehicle site at Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke/Linden Highway. The procuring entity was listed as the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the engineer’s estimate was announced at $62.2M.
Tenders were also opened for the construction of a waiting area at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). The engineer’s estimate was announced at $11.3M.
Man shot dead in North East La Penitence - reportedly went to aid of woman who was being robbed This contract comes months after the contract for the 5.5-kilometre road leading to the site was tendered. The A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition after its ascension to office back in mid-2015, had launched the initiative called the Guyana Restoration Project; which is aimed at rehabilitating, restoring and the renewal of the State. The derelict vehicle site is a major component of this project. Thus far, a car crusher, estimated to cost $42M, to dispose of derelict vehicles has also been procured by the Public Infrastructure Ministry. Advertisements and tenders have also been opened for the supply, delivery, and installation and commissioning of a 120-tonne Electronic Truck Scale. The engineer’s estimate for that machine is $5M. The restoration project was divided into six goals and areas of concern, which are all long term, and will see the country make a permanent change in addressing issues such as pollution, and congestion. The six goals include: drainage; sustainable urban, rural, and hinterland physical rehabilitation; solid waste management; welfare management of the homeless, addicts, and mentally unstable; rebranding Guyana through the restoration of ethical and social responsibility; and public and stakeholders consultations. Expressions of interest were also submitted for the institutional strengthening of the Audit Office of Guyana (Phase Four) Programme.
Meanwhile, a Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) contract for the procurement of pharmaceuticals attracted billion-dollar bids.
Tenders were also opened for the construction of a laundry area at the students’ dormitory in Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. The procuring entity was listed as the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the engineer’s estimate was announced at $2.4M.
A 26-year-old man was shot dead shortly after 23.00 hrs last night, reportedly while going to the aid of a woman who was being robbed. Andrew Scott, of North East La Penitence, was shot in the chest and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public
Hospital Corporation. Kaieteur News understands that the victim’s family owns a shop and had just shut their business when the tragedy occurred. According to one report, the shooter had attempted to rob a female security guard, but the woman used a knife to ward
o ff t h e a t t a c k e r. S h e reportedly then ran towards the shop that is owned by the victim’s family. Someone who claimed to be a relative of Scott’s said that he was going to the woman’s rescue when the gunman shot him. The shooter reportedly escaped in a car.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 14, 2016
$20M approved for Commission still awaiting assent for legislation The Opposition’s sharp powers of observation were definitely on display yesterday in the National Assembly, as it was able to expose that the Government has set aside millions of dollars for the operations of a Commission that is yet to have its legislation assented to, much less its own office and staff. This occurred during the scrutiny of the current and capital revenue and expenditure for public sector agencies and ministries in the Committee of Supply. The first to be examined was the Ministry of the Presidency. Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, asked Minister of State Joseph Harmon to explain why $20M has been set aside for the Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission for 2017, when it is not even in operation. Harmon said that the Commission is now in contemplation of the administration and the Wildlife Bill will soon be approved by President David Granger. The Minister of State said that he expects that as early as January 2017, the agency will be brought into existence. He said, too, that Government is currently looking at the provisions of the Bill to see what steps have to be taken for their activation, as well as the agencies that would fall under its control. Be that as it may, Teixeira asked the experienced lawyer to state if it is normal for a budgetary agency to be allocated monies without it being established or its legislation not even in place as yet. Harmon said that while he would not deal with the legality or illegality of the matter, the fact remains that the Bill was already before the House and will be assented to shortly. He reiterated that the Commission is expected to commence its work early next year and as such, would have the resources to “hit the ground running.” The sum for the Commission was subsequently approved. The Wildlife Conservation and Management Bill of 2016, was passed by the House in August last. The Bill not only paves the way for the better management of the country’s flora and fauna, but also brings the country into compliance with its international obligations. The Bill, which was tabled by Natural Resources
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon Minister, Raphael Trotman, was passed with a number of amendments, including one proposed by Opposition MP, Dharamkumar Seeraj, after being taken through all its stages. Trotman said that the Bill has its origins in the International Convention on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and can be traced back several years. Noting that Guyana is a member of CITES, he said that such membership devolves on the country certain responsibilities, including having appropriate laws and regulations to safeguard that flora and fauna, and to curb the illegal trade of wildlife as well as to have the safe and regulated movement of wildlife, both within and outside of state parties. He said that for the most part, though being a party to the Convention, Guyana has not been fully compliant, even though every effort has been made to do so. “One such requirement is for there to be adequate legal provisions that not only incorporate the requirements of the Convention, but also provide adequate safeguards to the flora and fauna in our biodiversity,” said the Minister. “We have been using, for a number of years, regulations published under the Environmental Protection Act, and these have since been deemed inadequate, hence the presence of this Bill. We therefore cannot go on without the adequate legal framework and laws being in place without facing sanctions for nonimplementation. This Bill among other things is an attempt to remedy that jeopardy which has arisen,” said Trotman to the House.
Wednesday December 14, 2016
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Kaieteur News
In the wake of inclement weather…
Public Health Ministry puts nation on high alert Inclement weather has started and is likely to continue until January of next year. This weather pattern has been known to encourage the prevalence of a number of waterborne diseases, including leptospirosis and gastroenteritis. Yesterday the Ministry of Public Health through its Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, issued an advisory which has served to put the nation on high alert about potential threats linked to the rainy season. The Ministry is essentially calling on all and sundry to take precautionary measures at this time. According to the CMO, “in light of the increased rainfall and the possibility of flooding in coastal and outlying areas, the Ministry of Public Health is advising the general public to pay special attention to your health, personal hygiene, vector control, food and water safety and public health.” In areas that are floodprone, and have become inundated because of recent rainfall, persons are being urged to stay out of the water as much as possible, since it
can greatly reduce their chance of contracting waterborne conditions such as skin infections, leptospirosis, diarrheal infection and other water-borne diseases. Although a number of areas have traditionally become inundated after a short period of intense rainfall, efforts to clean canals and other waterways have allowed for an improved drainage system. But Dr. Persaud has noted that “direct contact with flood waters can expose you to several germs that can lead to any of these diseases.” A particularly important measure highlighted by, Dr. Persaud is to keep children out of the water, as they are most at risk of contracting diseases. “Avoid swimming in flooded canals and trenches, as during the rainy season and floods these become contaminated and can make you sick,” said the CMO. However, for persons who must enter flood waters, the CMO has amplified the use of protective gear such as long boots, gloves and eye protection. Added to this, persons are encouraged to
Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, Chief Medical Officer prepare a foot bath of quarter cup of bleach to one bucket of water and to wash feet before entering the house. The application of vaseline or oil to the skin is also useful since it is known to form a barrier and provide some protection from dirty water. But water-borne diseases are not the only health challenge linked to increased rainfall. According to Dr. Persaud, “during rainfall you
may notice an increase in mosquitoes. Protect yourself and family against mosquitoes by sleeping under mosquito nets, use mosquito repellents and coils. Ensure that all water stored around your home in containers is covered to reduce the breeding of mosquitoes. Remember, the mosquito that spreads Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya virus breeds in fresh, still water (especially rain water) around your home.” It is important, the CMO noted, that persons opt to use safe water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth and for making ice and beverages. Safe water is water that is boiled for at least five minutes and stored in covered containers or sealed bottles, or water that is treated with chlorine bleach. Treating water with bleach is as simple as adding half teaspoon of bleach to a five-gallon bucket of water, and then covering
and allowing it to stand for 30 minutes before use. Also Dr. Persaud is appealing to the public to “keep food supplies away from contact with any flood water. Flood water can contaminate food supplies including dry groceries, vegetables, fruits, cooked foods and beverages. Discard all foods that have been in contact with flood waters safely, by placing them in a plastic bag and deposit in covered bins.” According to the CMO, it is imperative that persons wash all fruits and vegetables with treated safe water and peel them before eating. He has also highlighted that persons should seek to cook foods thoroughly and consume cooked meals within two hours of preparation. All unused food should be stored safely in a refrigerator and reheated thoroughly before consuming, Dr. Persaud added.
Even outside of the rainy season, persons are encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and safe water or use hand sanitizers, especially before eating meals, after going to the toilet or latrine, cleaning children or handling animals and contaminated materials. And according to Dr. Persaud, persons should “use safe toilets or latrines to defecate and dispose of baby’s diapers in covered bins. Do not mess or let faeces get into the flood waters, drains or trenches.” “Secure all household waste and other garbage in plastic bags and store in bins until these are properly removed to approved landfill sites. Keep garbage bins covered to prevent pests such as mosquitoes, flies, rats and roaches from entering. Do not dump garbage in drains, trenches, canals and illegal dumping areas around your Continued on page 15
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 14, 2016
Gaskin forced to explain $212M allocation for Industrial Estates in 2016 Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin was yesterday forced to explain in the National Assembly, the expenditure of $212 million, during 2016 that was allocated for the Industrial Estates at Lethem, Coldingen and Belvedere. This occurred during the consideration of the 2017 estimates of revenue and expenditure within the Committee of Supply. The issue came up as opposition member of Parliament Joseph Hamilton queried how much of the total sum was budgeted for the Lethem Industrial Estate and further, how much had been spent on the estate thus far. Minister Gaskin informed the House that $160M was allocated to be spent on the Lethem estate, but only $22M was spent. However, he did say that that amount was a ball park figure, since he could not say exactly how much was specifically spent on the estate. At that point, opposition Member of Parliament Juan Edghill told the House that based on Gaskin’s response, the figures presented in the estimates as expenditure for 2016 are not reliable, since they do not represent the total amount actually spent. Gaskin, in responding, said that the figures represent a budget and they represent the latest revision of those figures at the end of a process where Ministries would have submitted final projections. The Minister said that the $212M which is stated under the revised amount for 2016 is not the amount which is likely to be spent on the line item “Industrial Development�. As such, he was asked why the projected amount was given and not the $22M which was actually spent. He said that the design works for the estate have already been completed and presently there is a contract at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board for additional work to be done. When that contract is awarded, he said, a final figure in terms of expenditure for the year can be given. He said that the contract is expected to be awarded before the end of this week. If so, there is likely to be a mobilisation fee paid to the contractor. He was also asked to explain how the remainder of the $212M was expended. According to Gaskin, the other two estates which were catered for under the amount were Coldingen and Belvedere,
Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin at $20M and $33M respectively. Regarding the two estates, Gaskin was asked whether any money was spent to facilitate works. The Business Minister told the House that a $29M contract was awarded, of which $14M is expected to be spent before the end of this year. For 2017, the Ministry has allocated $287M to be spent on the three estates. Out of that amount, the construction of a bridge at Coldingen estate will cost $19,501,000; the construction of a fence, gate and fire hydrant at Belvedere - $23M and the development of the Lethem industrial estate, including a business incubator, $150M. Gaskin said that the total amount to facilitate works for the Lethem estate will cost $800M. The complete management of these estates is expected to be taken over by the Business Ministry from the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) by year end. The Ministry in its 2016 to 2020 Strategic Plan Final Report, highlighted that industrial estates typically are interesting for businesses, as they provide an attractive location which will allow fast, inexpensive and reliable transportation to the nearest hub, and infrastructure services, such as sewage, reliable electricity and internet. Gaskin was asked how optimistic he was that the allocated $287M would be spent next year, when the Ministry failed to spend $212M in 2016. According to Gaskin, his Ministry is more informed now and will see to it that work is completed. He said that works had begun on the estate, but stopped when it was realised that the project was headed in an undesirable direction.
Wednesday December 14, 2016
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Kaieteur News
CID Awards Ceremony…
Major Crimes detective Prem Narine cops several accolades Two detectives who refused a $4M bribe in a murder investigation and a corporal from the Major Crimes Unit were the main recipients of accolades when the Criminal Investigation Department held its second awards ceremony yesterday. Woman Sergeant 20216 Benjamin, and her colleague, Corporal 19822 Pitama received special commendation for turning down the bribe. This incident is connected to a recent murder case and resulted in charges being laid against the alleged perpetrators. But it was 16438 Corporal Prem Narine from the Major Crimes Unit, who walked away with a slew of monetary and other awards for his work in several recent murder cases. Adjudged CID’s top performer, during the ceremony at the Police Officer’s Mess, Narine played a major role in the solving of the Berbice triple murder, in which two adults and a teenage boy were shot dead in the Cookrite Backdam at Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, last July. Corporal Narine’s investigative work also contributed to the solving of the murder of fisherman Faiyaz Narinedatt, who was beaten and dumped on the Number 70 Village, Corentyne roadway. He also headed investigations into the solving of two cold cases; namely, the murder of a father and his two daughters, who were burnt to death in a Robb Street hotel in 2014, and the 2012 murder of truck driver Jadesh Dass, who was shot dead and dumped on a Mahaica roadway. In addition, detective Narine, who has been a CID rank for 14 years, collected an award for the Major Crimes Unit, which was adjudged the Best Section of the CID. The Crime Intelligence Unit came in second. In accepting his award, he commended his colleagues from the Major Crimes Unit for the teamwork they displayed.
- special prize to woman detective, colleague, who refused $4M bribe
The awardees pose with (in front row, from left) Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, Justice Brassington Reynolds, Justice Claudette Singh, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud and Deputy Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine. The runner-up for CID’s top performer was Senior Constable Calvan. Deputy Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Hugh Jessemy, who is proceeding on pre-retirement leave shortly, also received a special award for dedicated leadership. Addressing the gathering, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said that the ranks managed to achieve major success by displaying a high degree of patience, dedication and teamwork. He said that this was reflected in a 22 percent reduction in serious crimes as compared with the same period last year. “And also for the first time in 15 years, we have had the highest clear-up rate in murders, and that is 70 percent,” Blanhum said. “We were also successful in re-opening and solving a number of cold cases. One of them that was highly publicized is the Babita Sarjou case.” Referring to Detective
Narine, the Crime Chief noted that throughout the year, in almost every investigation there was an outstanding rank, whose invaluable contribution and commitment to teamwork resulted in numerous successes. “This year, our top performer has shown dedication, going above and beyond and to the call of duty. “ In closing, Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud commended the efforts of Crime Chief Blanhum in continuing the awards ceremony for CID ranks. He said that there is a lot of value in publicly recognizing the efforts of members of the Force. “Just as we jump to discipline bad behaviour, we should similarly jump and reinforce good behaviour by recognizing their efforts.” Speaking about the Crime Intelligence Unit, which was judged the second best unit, the Commissioner said that Crime Intelligence was established in ‘contemporary
times’. “Prior to that, we had Special Branch dealing with all Intelligence. Crime Intelligence was developed because Special Branch had not been too responsive to the need for Crime Intelligence. They had the tendency to stay in the traditional mode, and therefore CID developed their own Intelligence.” He also stated that Jamaica Senior Intelligence officers have trained local ranks, while the head of the Crime Intelligence Unit has undergone training with the Jamaican Force Constabulary. “There are some documents which I will sit down and discuss with the Public Security Minister, and we are going to see some reforms in Intelligence. “That, I think, will impact positively not only on the CID, but on the Force’s contribution in intelligence in
Guyana.” Speaking about the recent successes of the CID, Commissioner Persaud recalled that the year started with Crime Chief Blanhum presenting his Operational Plan at the Police Officers’ Conference. “Today we have had, in significant ways, capacity being built in the CID, so much so that we are seeing high-profile crimes appearing one day on the front pages, and a few days or weeks after, we would have seen in those same front pages, perpetrators arrested and charged. “That is the type of CID that any police force would want to have. The CID is still in development stages and I am very optimistic that that capacity will continue to grow.” Another factor in successes was the leadership of Crime Chief Blanhum. “Immediately on the
appointment of Mr. Blanhum we saw positive changes within the CID, and those changes continue to manifest themselves in all forms. The third factor was the “invaluable effort” of the Police Legal Advisor, Justice Claudette Singh “Justice Singh has made herself available twenty-four seven to the detectives within the CID…she has forged relationships with all the detectives, and whenever the detectives are pursuing investigations and there are doubts, she comes in and gives that invaluable advice, and when she observes that things are not going right, then the Crime Chief knows about it and takes corrective action at very early stages.” In attendance to present some of the awards was Justice Singh, while Justice Brassington Reynolds was among speakers at the ceremony.
Public Health Ministry puts nation... From page 13 community,” the CMO warned. He also stressed the need for persons to “Watch out for animals coming into your homes. Rats, roaches, snakes, centipedes and other pests that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Keep doors and windows closed or screened to prevent them from entering your homes.” Other safety measures that members of the public should adhere to during the rainy season, the CMO said, include turning off their main electrical switch and unplugging all appliances and moving them to safe areas of the home if it is under water. “If you suspect electrical wiring have been damaged in your home, turn off the main, and have it checked by a qualified person before
turning on back the power,” Dr. Persaud has advised. According to him, persons should also seek to secure all important equipment, supplies, medicines, clothing and other items in safe spaces in the homes. “Place important documents and valuables in plastic and store them in a safe place,” said Dr. Persaud as he urged that “if you or any family member experiences any fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, cuts, sticks, bruises or other conditions, please seek medical attention immediately.” The CMO has assured that the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and other hospitals’ outpatient departments throughout the country are all fully operational and equipped to provide adequate care.
TOP DETECTIVES: Corporal Prem Narine (Best Performer) and his colleague, Senior Constable Calvan (right), pose with Police Legal Advisor, Justice Claudette Singh.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 14, 2016
Consumer body demands forensic audit into GTT There is a major battle brewing between US-owned Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) and the Guyana Consumers Association (GCA). Following an application -”Grounds for a review of Order No1/2015"- made on November 17th by GTT to the regulator - the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the association has released its submissions which accuses the telephone company of deliberately hiding its profits and refusing to expand its landline service in order to capitalise and focus on the lucrative mobile
services market. The consumer body now wants Government to order a forensic audit into the operations of GTT to determine how much profits exactly it has been making. The concerns of GCA were raised in the memorandum dated December 9th and which was sent to the PUC. The memo was sent by GCA’s Secretary, J. Deonauth to PUC’s Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) Prem Persaud. According to the association, if GTT had “truthfully” wished to reduce international rates, it would
- says telephone company hid true profits, assets - landline expansion abandoned in favour of mobile services
PUC’s Chairman, Justice (ret’d) Prem Persaud have modernized its technology and would have done what efficient
telephone companies worldwide have done when encountering competition from similar international rate reduction – it would have reduced its international rates. “But GTT has no intention of reducing international rates. They are intent that the consumer must subsidise them both directly or indirectly, an attitude deriving from being a monopoly.” According to GCA in its memo, it has reservations also about the integrity of the Commission to evenhandedly dispense justice to the consumers and “the Commission needs to publicly address this issue”. GCA said that the regulator should dismiss the telephone’s company claim for special profits for its landline services.
SUPER PROFITS “Our reason for this position is that by their Contract with the Government of Guyana, profits of the company are calculated on the basis of assets only. They could make a minimum profit of 15% of assets plus “Advisory Fee” of 6% of gross takings making a total profit of nearly 30%. No profits are calculated on segments. To attempt to calculate profits on segments, is a surreptitious attempt by GTT to vary their Contract.” GCA also accused GTT of deliberately practicing questionable accounting by making Guyanese consumers pay 15% return on its depreciated landline assets “allowing the company to harvest in super profits on the landline. These super profits are not credited to the landline”.
As a matter of fact, GCA told PUC, the fibre optic and the copper lines belonging to the landline have been used and are being used to transmit mobile and internet traffic, which in 2015 was estimated to be earning US$2 million per annum. “These revenues, which are concealed profits, must be credited to the landline,” the memo urged. GCA said the best way of “knowing the truth and giving the PUC evidence on which it could act” is to have the company disaggregate and segmentalise its accounts as other big companies in Guyana do. “The PUC cannot act on GTT’s demands except the accounts are disaggregated and segmented so as to give the PUC a rational base on which to make their (Continued on page 18)
Wednesday December 14, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Finance Secretary, AG must settle disagreement on abuse of Contingency Fund - PAC By Kiana Wilburg The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has had it with the fallout between the Office of the Auditor General and the Ministry of Finance over the supposed abuse of the Contingency Fund. As such, the Committee has asked that both parties settle the matter, once and for all. The PAC said that the issue has been reported on by the Auditor General (AG), Deodat Sharma for years, with no remedial action being taken. It has also been a matter which attracted extensive discussion within the Public Accounts Committee - in some cases leaving it divided as to what really constitutes an abuse of the Fund to which the Finance Minister has sole access. Sharma has said on several occasions that in accordance with the financial rules and regulations, there were certain criteria which had to be met before an advance was approved from the Fund. He made it pellucid that if an expense is to be approved, it must be urgent, unforeseen, and of great national
PAC Head, Irfaan Ali
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma
importance. The Auditor General maintained that some of the projects and programmes for which advances had been approved for over the years, including 2015, should have been foreseen and therefore, included in the annual expenditure of the agencies. In many cases, the Committee said that it was not in agreement with explanations that used to be offered by the office of the Finance Secretary so as to justify why certain advances were made for certain projects over the years.
In the interest of ensuring transparency and accountability, the PAC wants the Finance Secretary Hector Butts and the AG to consult on the interpretation of the criteria as set out in the FMA Act for the approval for advances from the Contingency Fund. In his latest report, Sharma criticized the Granger administration for dipping its hands into the Fund without having just cause. Sharma said that during the period under review, amounts totaling $799M were drawn from the Fund, by way of 24
advances. He said that it was disappointing to note that the advances continued to be granted, even though they did not meet the required criteria. Kaieteur News was informed by the AG that he was left in a state of concern having learnt that eleven advances totaling $604M were granted from the Fund to meet “routine expenditure” for the year 2015. But the Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, has since refuted those claims.
Jordan asserted that he does not owe Sharma an explanation. In fact, he went as far as to say that Sharma’s views on the “abuse’ of the Fund do not matter. Jordan had emphasized that the Constitution deems the Minister of F i n a nce as the sole individual who will determine the emergency for which he can dip his hand into the Contingency Fund. “In this, he does not have to consult with the Auditor General. Being a member of
Cabinet, he consults with the Members of Cabinet…Whether the AG wishes to determine what I have done, whether it was an emergency or not, that is his interpretation. It doesn’t count under the law,” the Finance Minister had said. He continued, “It is the Minister of Finance who determines that…so you can’t come six months afterwards and tell me that the motor car that I bought with money from the Contingency (Continued on page 27)
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Wednesday December 14, 2016
Kaieteur News
SIBLINGS LOSING SIGHT CJIA to rake in $1.3B in revenue by this year end – Patterson APPEAL FOR HELP From birth Leon Bagot was born with an eye condition, cataract, which causes clouding of the lens in the eye leading to a decrease in vision, according to his mother. Now, he is 11-year-old and can barely see, still his ambition is to become a presidential guard. The teen who attends Corentyne Comprehensive High is said to be performing well despite his impairment, with help from his teachers and classmates. Leon resides at Courtland Road, Corentyne, Berbice, with his mother and five siblings. The family’s financial constraint has
Pandit Suresh Sugrim with Leon Bagot (right) and sister, Devon.
prevented Leon from seeking overseas medical attention with hopes of protecting the sight he has left, which will allow him to realize his potential and live his dream of protecting one of Guyana’s future presidents. “I want to protect the president,” Leon said, when he was asked why he chose such a profession at a young age. Leon’s family circumstances sadden by the fact that he lost his father to cancer about a month ago. It doesn’t stop there. Leon has a 16-year-old sister, Devon Bagot, a student of Manchester Secondary School, who is also Continued on page 27
The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is projected to rake in $1.3B by the end of this month. The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, is projected to rake in $1.3B in revenue by the end of this month. This was disclosed by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson during his Budget Presentation in the National Assembly last week. The Minister told the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, that the Corporation has continued to manage the Airport in 2016, in an effective and efficient manner in keeping with its mandate. The Minister stated that from January this year, to November 30, revenue collected amounted to $1.168B compared to $1.033B for the corresponding period last year. These collections, he said, reflect a 13 percent increase. This projected amount also shows that for
the past six years, the entity’s revenue collection has almost doubled. According to reports, the agency collected a total sum of $635M in 2010 followed by an increase in 2011, taking the revenue collection up to $748M. In 2012, the CJIA collected $1.094B; $1.1B in 2013; $1.017 in 2014; and $1.112B in 2015. Furthermore, the Corporation has recorded 513,444 processed passengers as of November 2016, compared to 459,346 last year, and it was twice successfully audited by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the United States of America in 2016. Meanwhile, Expressions of Interest were invited for the provision of state of the art security equipment and services at the Airport.
Wednesday December 14, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Finance Secretary, AG must settle... WANTED Security officers wanted, 8 hours & 12 hours shifts, remuneration $3,000 daily, base on qualifications. TIN/ ID/NIS needed. Call: 2316052/40 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257
1 Porter to work in shop in the Interior. Call: 678-0565 One general domestic; 4 days per week. Call: 668-4973 One domestic, one salesgirl, one boy to learn fiber glass work. Call: 603-5416/ 644-9802
Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535.
1 Experienced hairdresser/ nail tech must be living on the WCD/WBD, West Shore Plaza 15 Public Road Ruimzeight. Call: 269-1524/6563561
INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.
To rent bar or liquor restaurant immediately on the EBD or Georgetown Call: 661-8802, 661-5099
Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen & more. Call: 697-2969/6460966 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 One three bedrooms bottom flat @ Lamaha Gardens. Call: 225-8084 Two bedrooms top flat at Houston EBD Contact # 6860653 One bedroom apartment suitable for couple or single person -$35,000 monthly. Light, water and garbage included. Call: 638-8858
Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206 Professional service & repairs: gas stoves, washing machines, deep fryers, electric stoves, repacking of gas stoves. Call Zepha: 6739028 Desmond Repair Services Fridge, AC, gas stove, microwave, washer, etc on the spot repairs –Call: (592)678-8683; 613-9181
Wanted land to buy: La Parfaite Harmonie, Uitvlugt, Tuschen, Providence, Eccles, and elsewhere, best price pay. Call: 604-6727/673-6300
VACANCY One sales representative needed. Please contact: 2258205 Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 Pump attendant – Call: 6803863/ Driver/Company. Call: 680-3863
ACCOMMODATION Harmony Inn: furnished apartments and rooms, ideal for overseas visitors from $6,000 per night. Call: 6680306/ 218-1400/ 694-7817 Fully furnished air condition apartment for local and overseas visitors -$4,000 & $5,000 per night. Call: 2230994
EDUCATIONAL Private Custom Brokerage, certificate training course in Jan 2017, Register & get 50% discount for Christmas. Call: 694-8322/671-9603
CAR RENTAL CAR RENTAL
C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call:225-9032;647-2943;604-5198 Organic Potting soil -$900, lawn grass -$1400, Ficus, Exora, Crotons, Foxtail palm, Supari palm, Ashok trees. Call: 626-1044 Cargo trawler- Call: 682-8724, 616-5954 Honda CBR 929 for sale. Also Land for sale at Bushy Park E.B.E. Call: 694-4609 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games, applications & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 2653231 Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999
LAND FOR SALE 18,000 Sq.Ft suitable for warehouse or bond at Eorl’s Court, LBI, E.C.D. Call: 626-7127
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPESTRATE . Call: 698-7807
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494
Siblings losing sight... From page 26 losing the sight in one of her eyes, due to cataract as well. Despite this, her ambition is to become a lawyer, however, she says her dream faded after her father’s death and the family’s growing financial troubles. “I can’t because I would have to go back to school and how my father is now dead I’m not going to get the money.” When asked if she would pursue law once she is provided with financial assistance, she smiled and replied in the affirmative. Devon and one of her brothers will sit the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) in 2017 and this was made possible through help from donors of the Humanitarian Mission of New Jersey (HMNJ) which is being operated by Pandit
High value transported land with small two bedrooms house @ Great Diamond, Housing Scheme -$12M negotiable. Call: 265-4338 Plot of land use to cultivate rice, Plantation Betterhope Essequibo Coast, Size 33.14 Acres Tel: 625-1514 La Parfaite Harmonie-$1.3, $1.6M, Uitvlugt, $2.5M, Tuschen -$2M, all prices reduced for Christmas. (terms available). Call: 6046724-/673-6300 Land at Lot 432 Section ‘A’ Block ‘X’, Plantation Great Diamond, E.B. Demerara – Call: 718-598-7149
FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
LEARN TO DRIVE
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
(From page 25) Fund is not an emergency.” “You don’t know the circumstances that gave rise to the situation. He never came to me and asked me. I am the only person he can ask seeking an explanation on it, but I don’t have to explain anything to the Auditor General. I have to explain to the Parliament. So going around saying that the government can’t account for $600M or $500M or $400M is just playing to the gallery as far as I am concerned.” The economist stressed that for last year, there was one request by the Government to access the Contingency Fund for the May to December period. He said that the request only represented 0.36 percent of its budget last year. He said that requests and advances made for similar periods in 2011represented 4.8 percent of the budget; 2.77 percent in 2012; 1.13 percent in 2013; and 1.2 percent in 2014. “For this year, there has been one request, and so shall it remain,” the Finance Minister asserted.
Land for sale: 46 house lots on 70 acres of land, situated at Parika E.B.E. Call Raiz: 6226971/ 661-2289
Suresh Sugrim from its Babu John, Port Mourant-based office. Initially, the children’s mother, 41-year-old Cheryl Bagot, borrowed the money to pay for exams fees for her two children, but was given a refund by Sugrim, which she repaid, securing the siblings’ CSEC spots. She became emotional as she related the possibility of her two kids going blind if they don’t receive the help needed. She was advised to purchase a specific type of lens for Leon, however, she cannot afford it, but is working to obtain the cash to do so. Suresh Sugrim who has been assisting the family is hopeful that he will receive help to take the siblings overseas for better treatment and care. Persons desirous of helping the family can contact them on telephone number (592) 322-0732 or Sugrim on (592) 649-3319.
VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Toyota Allion PVV series: TV Camera, HID, lights, alarm & remote start $2.2M negotiable Call: 649-0956 Toyota Vios PMM 6998 & Mitsubishi Canter GJJ 7722. Call: 667-3436/ 655-5018 Leyland DAF 65 (sand truck). Call: 623-3895 Nissan Dualis 2007 for sale $3M; sunroof, alloy wheel, 2WD, CD/DVD player, PVV series Call: 611-8121/695-9548 1 AT 212 2001 year model, excellent condition. Call: 6740645
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 House & land for sale at Good Hope Public Road, East Bank Essequibo. Call: 689-0785, 660-2504, 671-5095 House & Land available for sale. Contact Pacific Development Inc: 223-6035/ 227-8274
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Kaieteur News
15-man gang robbery of cambio dealer…
Four more arrested
Four more suspects were in custody last night as police stepped up their search for the heavily-armed 15-man gang that carted off a reported $21M in cash and jewellery after smashing their way into the number 79 Village, Corentyne home of Cambio Dealer Devendra Churaman. The individuals, who include an ex-cop and a female, are reportedly from various areas in Berbice. Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Errol Watts would only confirm the arrests, while saying that the investigation was “at a delicate stage.” Watts had stated that ranks from Georgetown would be travelling to Berbice as reinforcements for those at the Springlands Police Station. Kaieteur News understands that ranks from the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) unit were deployed to Berbice yesterday. Watts had stated that the seven persons who were arrested Monday night were all
swabbed for possible traces of gunpowder, based on information received. The suspects, he stated, would be subjected to an identification parade shortly. The bandits, who were armed with assault rifles, shotguns, cutlasses and sledge hammers, launched their attack at just about 01:45 hrs on Monday. Five of the men, who were all armed and masked, smashed through the front window of Churaman’s home and hammered their way through a steel door to his bedroom to gain entry. The father of two, who was home alone, had said that the gunmen had him on the floor while one man held a gun to his head. There were reports that while the five men carried out their rampage in the Cambio Dealer’s home, ten others stood guard in the street while firing shots and lighting firecrackers to keep the neighbours distracted and at bay. Shots were also fired in Churaman’s home.
Confirming the extent of the bandits’ firepower, Crime Chief of B Division Gary McAllister said that 21 live 7.62*39 rounds (used in Ak-47 rifles), eight 7.62*39 shells; two twelve –gauge shotgun cartridges and a warhead were retrieved from the scene. Churaman and several neighbours had stated that the gunmen took some 20 minutes to enter and spent another 20 minutes inside. Springlands Police Station is located some two minutes away from Churaman’s residence. Questions have been asked as to why the police ranks failed to respond, despite reportedly receiving numerous calls when the gunmen were still to gain entry. It is alleged that ranks took at least an hour to arrive. Commander Watts has said that there was only one patrol in the area covering number 51 to 79 Villages, but both groups - the station and the patrol - received information after the ordeal.
Wall St. extends record rally, Dow closes in on 20,000
Traders laugh as they work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) U.S. stocks reached alltime highs yesterday, with the Dow Jones industrial average less than 100 points away from the 20,000 mark, as a record-setting post-election rally showed no signs of fatigue. All the three major indices hit record highs shortly after the open. The Dow has risen about 8.6 percent since November 8, with President-elect Donald Trump’s expected agenda of economic stimulus and reduced taxes and regulations fueling the rally. The sharp run has also been supported by positive economic data, including a strong labor market, and S&P 500 companies’ results, which in the third quarter were poised to snap a yearlong earnings recession. “The macro and funda-
mental background are favorable for stocks, and we expect equities to trend higher as we head into 2017,” said Terry Sandven, chief equity strategist at U.S. Bank Wealth Management. “Investors are encouraged by expectations that Trump and a GOP-controlled Congress will enact progrowth policies and we’re seeing modest inflation creep in, while housing remains stable and wages continue to firm.” Market participants are also keeping a close watch on the Federal Reserve’s two-day meeting where the central bank is widely expected to lift interest rates for the second time since the financial crisis. A hike of 25 basis points in the Fed’s target range of 0.25-0.50 percent is priced in, but investors
will be examining the Fed’s statement and economic forecasts for signs of the central bank’s thinking on how Trump’s election has affected the outlook for growth and inflation. Still, there are some concerns over valuations. The S&P 500 is trading near 17.7 times forward 12month earnings, above the 10-year median of 14.7 times, according to StarMine data. “ Va l u a t i o n s a r e e l evated at the moment and we know that the pace that equities are advancing at won’t be sustainable unless earnings continue to grow,” said Sandven. At 12:34 p.m. ET the Dow Jones industrial average .DJI was up 106.63 points, or 0.54 percent, at 19,903.06, the S&P 500 .SPX was up 15.22 points, or 0.67 percent, at 2,272.18 and the Nasdaq Composite .IXIC was up 62.83 points, or 1.16 percent, at 5,475.37.
When we pause and experience silence, we discover answers that activity does not have time to reveal. During your day, take three-minute “vacations”. Relax and re-energise. Take time out to feel the peace of silence.
Wednesday December 14, 2016
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President’s College shines at Regional Education Award Ceremony “Once again we can celebrate our achievements in Region Four. As a region we would have set goals and worked collaboratively to achieve them.” This was the proud assertion of Regional Education Officer (REO), (ag) Tiffany Harvey, in delivering opening remarks as the Department of Education, Region Four (4) held its Annual Awards Ceremony yesterday, at the Theatre Guild in Kingston, under the theme: “The Foundation of Education goals are achieved through experience, dedication and empowerment”. The acting REO mentioned that they have implemented public speaking, workshops and teaching in the areas of Mathematics and English. Child-friendly classrooms and teaching environments conducive to learning continue to be part of the Department’s focus. Full support is also given to the breakfast programme and the school bus initiative. “We continue to promote the need for parental involvement by expanding our welfare services to communities,” Harvey said. According to the official, they have moved a little further in the field of music. The Regional Music Coordinator is working closely with primary and secondary schools, to ensure that all of the mandates of the Minister of Education are carried out. Region 4 is the winner of the National Choir Competition 2016, and Harvey said that, “I am proud to announce that on December 16, at 10:00 am in the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) compound we will be convening our first Christmas carolling”. In addition, a committee has been established to work along with schools in implementing the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP). The SCCP seeks to improve students’ attendance, reduce school dropouts, shore-up equity and enhance quality and relevance in the area of technical and vocational education at the Grade Nine and Grade Ten levels. Harvey said that, “Though there is much to be done to ensure that equity and equality are evident in every aspect of education, today we would like to reward those persons who would have had dreams, made plans, had deadlines and kept them”. The awardees for overall schools at the primary level are as follows: Outstanding Performance for the National Grade Two Assessment
(NGTA) 2016 – Hope Estate Primary; Most Improved School for NGTA – Silver Hill Primary; Outstanding Performance for National Grade Four Assessment (NGFA) – Peter’s Hall Primary; Most Improved School for NGFA – Moblissa Primary; Outstanding Performance for National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) 2016 – Cane Grove Primary; Most Improved school for NGSA – Providence Primary. NGSA 50% and over passes in English, Science and Social Studies, Montrose, Dora and Long Creek Primary Schools respectively. The NGSA top performers were also rewarded; Althea Joseph from Montrose Primary; Jennifer July from Strathspey Primary; Ruben Cush, Kuru Kururu Primary; Lukuna Bacchus, Peters Hall Primary; Casana Sookram, Montrose Primary; Joshua Calladeen, Peters Hall Primary; Joanna Mohan, Enmore Primary; Omari Smart, Friendship Primary; Jonathan Arjune, Covent John Primary; Faith Mohamoo, Chateau Margot Primary. They were all awarded a place at Queen’s College. The Top Performers at the National Grade Nine Assessment were: from Diamond Secondary - Oma Arjune, Ryan Ryasally and Rani Singh, and from President’s College - Mei Wei Yip, Lamon Friday and Shakuntala Sookraj. Beterverwagting Secondary School was awarded outstanding school for SCCP 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015. President’s College copped the award for outstanding secondary school for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) 2016 while the most improved school award was given to Soesdyke Secondary The top ten performers at CSEC 2016 were: from President’s College - Afifah Wickham, Shondace Thomas, Zawadi Collins, Renata Lall, Nandrine Hubraj and Claudia Garraway, and Diamond Secondary - Alexandra Adrian, Sofie Singh, Abdel Bacchus and Nadia Bisessar. The top five performers at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) 2016 were all from the President’s College, namely Paula Gomes, Odacia Hill, Olivea Chester, Susan Norton and Cameroul Hookumchand. In the National Athletics Championship 2016 sector, the champion boy Omari Walcott and champion girl, Brittany Austin, are from Bygeval Secondary. The outstanding performance in basketball awardees are as fol-
Principal of President’s College, Carolyn Canterbury receives the award for the most outstanding school at CSEC 2016. lows, from Plaisance Secondary, Nigel Bowen, Andrew Johnson, Daniella King; and from President’s College, Akeem Chrandon, Kareem Boyle, Analise Barclay and Demelza Nicholson. For outstanding performance in the music arena the schools awarded were, Triumph Nursery, Lusignan Primary and Golden Grove Secondary. For the outstanding performances at the National Spelling Bee Competition 2016, Victoria Nursery and Kuru Kururu Primary were awarded respectively. Retired head teachers who would have served and impacted many lives of students throughout the years were yesterday recognised and awarded for a job well done. The awardees are Yonette Callendar from Plaisance Primary, Narpattie Bahir from La Bonne Intention Primary; John English from Grove Primary, Hazel Lewis from Golden Grove Primary; Verina Layne from Timehri Primary, Charis Austin, Buxton Secondary and Burnell Wickham from Hope Secondary. Special awards were allocated to Success Elementary School for outstanding sustained performance. Supportive staff were also awarded, namely Veronica Clarke, Simone Fields, Stacy Gentle, Yulunda Adams-Blair, Verina Layne and Rhonda Meanes,
Rocquel Fung, Jacqueline August and Felika Archer. The Education Stalwarts awardees are as follows, Genevieve Allen, Pauline Lucas and Chitrawattie Basdeo. The Cadet Officers for the Region were also awarded yesterday; Samuel Sampson, Elly Peterkin, Shonette Fraser, Myra Patterson, Debra Hudson, Sherwin Blackman
P.C. student, Odacia Hill receives the award for outstanding performance at CAPE 2016 and Petal Telford. Deputy Chief Education Officer, Donna Chapman congratulated all the awardees on a job well done through their perseverance and the love for what they do. The award ceremony celebrated performances in music, academics and athletics. Chapman commended all teachers for empowering young people.
She also encouraged all those who were not awarded to work harder so as to ensure that their names are listed come 2017. “Region 4 must stand tall at NGSA, CSEC, CAPE and athletics championships; long live the teachers and students of Region4 and long live the teachers and students everywhere,” Chapman said in conclusion.
Battle of Aleppo ends after years of fighting as rebels agree to withdraw (Reuters) Rebel resistance in Syria’s Aleppo ended yesterday after years of fighting and months of bitter siege and bombardment that culminated in a bloody collapse of their defenses this week, as insurgents agreed to withdraw in a ceasefire. Rebel officials said fighting would end on Tuesday evening and insurgents and the civilians who have been trapped in the tiny pocket of territory they hold in Aleppo would leave the city for opposition-held areas of the countryside to the west. News of the deal, confirmed by Russia’s U.N. envoy, came after the United Nations voiced deep concern about reports it had received of Syrian soldiers and allied Iraqi fighters sum-
marily shooting dead 82 people in recaptured east Aleppo districts. It accused them of “slaughter”. “My latest information is that they indeed have an arrangement achieved on the ground that the fighters are going to leave the city,” Russian U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told reporters. It could happen “within hours maybe”, he said. A surrender or withdrawal of the rebels from Aleppo would mean the end of the rebellion in the city, Syria’s largest until the outbreak of war after mass protests in 2011. By finally dousing the last embers of resistance burning in Aleppo, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s military coalition of the army, Russian air power and Iran-backed
militias will have delivered him his biggest battlefield victory of the war. However, while the rebels, including groups backed by the United States, Turkey and Gulf monarchies, as well as jihadist groups that the West does not support, will suffer a crushing defeat in Aleppo, the war will be far from over. “The crushing of Aleppo, the immeasurably terrifying toll on its people, the bloodshed, the wanton slaughter of men, women and children, the destruction – and we are nowhere near the end of this cruel conflict,” U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein said in a statement.
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Kaieteur News
State House staffers trained in table management, menu planning First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, yesterday held a simple graduation ceremony to mark the successful conclusion of a one-month Instruction on Table Management and Menu Planning course for the staff at State House. The course, which was a collaborative effort between the Office of the First Lady and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), saw 16 staff members being certified in hygiene rules, table etiquette, menu planning, hospitality, constituents of food and food groups, and the use of the multi-mix principles. The capacity building exercise was conducted from November 9-December 9, 2016 and is the first of several training opportunities that the First Lady plans to offer to staff members. Mrs. Granger said that it is always her hope to ensure that staffers qualify themselves in their field of work and that they are given recognised certificates. “I believe persons must constantly upgrade their skills. Nobody is going to be forced to take part but we’re going to have discussions early in the year about what the staffers think they might benefit from and we’ll see
In photo, staffers pose with their certificates along with from left, sitting, Course facilitator Warrant Officer Weslyn Boodie, First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger and Lt. Col. (ret’d) Ms. Yvonne Smith. how we can provide short courses with recognised certification as we go along,” Mrs. Granger said The First Lady, who said she is committed to building positive working relationships with her staff,
noted that with qualifications come confidence and the ability to build successful careers. “I [always] encourage the staff to take opportunities for training… This will help them to be much more confident when they go
about socially, when they do their jobs and give them the kind of skills that they need to take them through life. I also believe that the learning experience helps to build friendships… and this will add to the spirit of the staff of State House,” Mrs. Granger said. She also thanked the GDF, for affording her the ability to make this course available. “The Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, [Brigadier] George Lewis very kindly agreed to provide us the service of [Warrant Officer] Weslyn Boodie, who trains staff in the GDF and she very kindly came along and conducted the course,” Mrs. Granger said. Members of staff were high in praise of the initiative, which they deemed as a good learning experience. Lance Corporal Melinda Jones, who is assigned to Kitchen duties,
stated that though the course was a bit challenging for her she has learnt a lot and she’s very grateful to the First Lady for providing that opportunity. Custodian at State House, Ms. Jacqueline Dowlin said, she looks at the First Lady’s initiative as a way of equipping her staff with much needed confidence. “It is a very good idea especially for me. They say you’re not too big to learn and I am not too big… One of the things that I like about her is that she motivates you; encourages you to go ahead, not because you’re here for one thing means you can’t do more, but you can go ahead and do something more. I really appreciate it [all],” Ms. Dowlin said. Additionally, Ms. Shavone Brutus, Receptionist at Office of the First Lady, said that she jumped at the opportunity
since she loves the kitchen and added that she felt motivated by the fact that the First Lady always looks out for the best interest of her staff.. “She’s [First Lady] warm and she’s very concerned about every aspect of our lives even though we have different functions… and I’m there to grasp everything that I can [and] I am thankful to her,” Ms. Brutus said. Mr. Kelvin Harris, Driver at Office of the First Lady, said though he did the course before at Carnegie School of Home Economics he wanted to reapply some of the skills he learnt. “This is really great. When you sit and you look at the First Lady, if you intermingle with her, you would know [that] she’s always looking out for her staff; always trying to do something for her staff and with that we appreciate her a lot,” Mr. Harris said.
Stop this lawlessness!
Residents are complaining that persons are illegally dumping garbage along the access road leading to the new housing scheme at Farm, East Bank Demerara.
Wednesday December 14, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday December 14, 2016
Government moving to recoup millions in tax arrears BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The Barbados government warned tax defaulters, yesterday, to ensure that they meet their financial obligations to the state as it moves to acquire more than BDS$100 million (One BDS dollar =US$0.50 cents) in arrears. Finance Minister Chris Sinckler, speaking in Parliament to put the legislative framework in place to deal with the initiative, noted “we said, we give people enough time that they can make arrangements if they have to do so with a financial institution…with friends or colleagues, whatever the case maybe, to get their arrangements in place by offering them the ability to have their penalty and interest waved entirely so long as you make good on your principle payment”. Sinckler said that if defaulters were unable to pay “all one time, that is the principal payment, within the specified period of the six months that you at least come into the Authority and you make an arrangement”. He told legislators that the government is owed in excess of BDS$100 million in outstanding taxes and that the figure could increase significantly.
Chris Sinckler He said once the tax amnesty is over, Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) will move to a single tax payer identification and clearance certificate system. “Very shortly we will no longer be as we move to the single platform designation of tax clearance for land tax, tax clearance for income tax, tax clearance for VAT…as we currently now have tax clearance certificates for all of those separately. “We are going to move to amend that law that there will be one tax clearance because
there will be one tax payer ID…you will have a tax number, each person will be given a tax number and that will be your number in the system,” Sinckler said. Government legislator, James Paul, is urging the business community to take advantage of the amnesty saying it provides an opportunity for restructuring. But he said he was concerned that some business entities do not make provisions for the payment of taxes when they are being established.
CDB approves US$436.7 million country strategy for T&T BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — The board of directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved a country strategy for Trinidad and Tobago for the period 2017 to 2021. The strategy proposes financial support of US$436.7 million from CDB. “This strategy underscores CDB’s longstanding commitment to helping Trinidad and Tobago achieve its development priorities. It will provide focused support that aims to unlock the country’s potential for economic and social development, improve competitiveness, promote good governance, and drive environmental sustainability,” said Dr Justin Ram, director of economics, CDB. The programme of assistance is designed to help Trinidad and Tobago achieve five key development outcomes: 1. Improved quality of, and access to, education and training;
2. Strengthened social protection; 3. Increased productivity, competitiveness and economic diversification; 4. Improved evidencebased development planning and institutional development; and 5. Strengthened environmental management supported by safe and resilient infrastructure. Gender equality, as well as energy security and citizen security considerations, will be mainstreamed in CDB’s interventions delivered under the strategy. The programme of assistance takes into account lessons learnt from the previous country strategy (2011-2014), including the need to address institutional implementation
capacity and strengthen donor coordination to achieve more meaningful development results. In developing the country strategy, CDB held extensive discussions with officials from the government of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as other stakeholders and development partners. This dialogue is central to promoting country ownership of the strategy. The approved strategy aligns with CDB’s strategic objectives of supporting inclusive and sustainable growth and development, and promoting good governance. It builds on the government of Trinidad and Tobago’s National Development Plan Vision 2030. (Caribbean News)
Wednesday December 14, 2016
Kaieteur News
U.S. strike kills Islamic State militants linked to Paris attacks (Reuters) A U.S. drone strike in Syria last week killed two Islamic State leaders linked to the November 13, 2015 attacks in Paris that killed 130 people as well as a third militant convicted in absentia in Belgium for a disrupted plot, the Pentagon said on Tuesday. The U.S. military said the strike took place on December 4 in Raqqa, the Islamic State’s de facto capital in Syria. “They were working together to plot and facilitate attacks on Western targets at the time of the strike,� Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis told reporters. The Pentagon named two of the militants as Salah Gourmat and Sammy Djedou and said both men were involved with facilitating the 2015 machinegun and suicide bomb attacks on the Bataclan music hall, Paris bars and restaurants, and the Stade de France soccer stadium.
The third man killed, Walid Hamman, was a suicide attack planner and French national who was convicted in absentia in Belgium for a plot disrupted in 2015, Davis told reporters. The three men were killed when a drone aircraft fired on them as they were driving in a car together, Davis said.
Islamic State, which has controlled parts of Iraq and Syria in recent years, has lost territory this year to local forces in those countries supported by a U.S.led coalition of air strikes and advisers. Islamic State sympathizers around the world have carried out other shootings and bombings of civilians.
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Steyn targets June 2017 return from injury... (From page 37) “itchy feet already” and will have one eye on the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka, which he has tipped South Africa to win convincingly. “Sri Lanka are a good side but in South Africa - nothing against them - we should win,” he said, even hazarding a guess at the scoreline. “Twonil, with one possibly washed out with rain.” Every member of the pack got a special mention from Steyn, who called their collec-
tive performance “unreal” and expects them to take that form into the Sri Lanka Tests. “I was sitting at home during the Hobart Test and I knew [Kyle] Abbott was always going to bowl well. He is one of those guys who bowls top of off stump all the time, he’s got a skiddy bouncer and that’s all you need in Test cricket. In Hobart, there was a little bit of assistance, so when you’ve got a bowler like that with skills like he does, you are going to do well. It’s obvi-
ously difficult to do it but he does it really well. “But then KG (Kagiso Rabada), he just ran in and bowled quick all day. That’s all you want from him and he strikes every now and again. And then Vernon [Philander] is quality, that’s why he got the Man of the Series, he can bat and we all know he can bowl. He hasn’t disappointed in four or five years of playing. The way we are playing, with our bowlers doing well, quietly, confidently, we should beat Sri Lanka.”
P&P Insurance Brokers Annual GSSF ... (From page 32) into account three elements – speed, accuracy and power. Every GSSF’s Practical Shooting Match is made up of stages that seek to measure a shooter’s ability in all three elements and coordinated under strict safety guidelines marshaled by experienced Range Officials. At the small ceremony at P&P Insurance Brokers and
Consultants Ltd.’s office located at Lot 35 North and King Streets, Georgetown, Mr. Dharry, in accepting the kind sponsorship, conveyed thanks to the Director, Mr. Vikash Panday. The Federation expressed its thanks once again to Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bishwa Panday and P&P Insurance, who un-hesitatingly came on board to
support the sport shooting fraternity for the second year making this an official event on the shooting Calendar. Mr. Vikash Panday expressed the delight in once again coming on board and pledged his commitment to the Federation and to ensuring that thisAnnual Christmas Match will continue to be the highly anticipated event it is.
Wednesday December 07, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Changes to your self image will be to your benefit as long as you don't over pay. Don't jump into investments too quickly. Educational pursuits can bring interesting, helpful people. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Try to keep an open mind. Sudden changes regarding your circle of friends could prove interesting and stimulating. You need to be inspired and have your spirits lifted. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Be precise in your communications to avoid any misunderstandings and arguments. Don't do something silly just to get back at your mate. Enjoy the company of relatives today. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Be careful that you don't spend too much time with a person belonging to someone else. You will get upset over trivial matters. Use discretion, especially if involved with someone from work. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You can make new friends by taking part in social events involving colleagues. You should get out and meet new people today. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your social skills with people may be more than just help-
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Kaieteur News
ful. You may be tempted to get involved in secret affairs or love triangles. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You need to be around friends and family. Your high energy must be directed into productive goals, or frustrations will occur. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Travel opportunities must be taken advantage of. Your mate, however, may not be too pleased with you. Get down to business. You are best to work at home if you can. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Don't overspend on entertainment, on children, or make poor investments. Property deals look good. Reevaluate your position and make decisions about your future goals. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Don't let siblings put pressure on you. Keep calm. Someone around you is bouncing off the walls. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Do your best, but don't make too many promises or you may exhaust yourself. You may jump from the frying pan into the fire if you make a move today. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your involvement in sports or entertainment will lead to new romances. Pamper yourself; the self esteem it brings you will be most gratifying.
Letter to the Sports Editor
This Coup will not stand the test of time, GCF President Burrowes still in charge Dear Mr. Editor, It was brought to my attention that an unconstitutional meeting of clubs affiliated to the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) was held at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and no member of the federation’s executive was present. Our rules is clear as day and speaks to who has the legal authority to call such a meeting, I would want to believe that the clubs and its representatives are aware of this. There are rules and laws that make up a constitution of any country, whether it be cultural, religious or political. It is very unfair to usurp a person’s elected position, especially when that person is trying his/her very best to develop the state of a sport and in this case, cycling. I am not one to blow my own trumpet but in this instance, I would like to make it known that I took on the challenge of charting the way forward for the sport in Guyana and am committed to fulfilling this commitment. It is never and would never be easy being at the helm of any organization but one must have a set of honest and committed individuals who share the same vision and are willing to work as a collective in order to achieve success. We have before us a young and talented cadre of cyclists who are looking forward to us, the leaders to chart the way forward for them. They are looking for honesty and sincerity in the way we do business, not persons who are prone to steal power by all means necessary. As a committed person and now President of the GCF, I have assisted the young riders physically, mentally, and psychologically to maintain and upgrade themselves and ultimately, Guyana. This was done by way of providing cycles, clothing, and training for those concerned. This is something that I am committed to and will continue to do so. It is very untrue for persons to say that I cannot be contacted, as you would know Mr. Editor, distance has been conquered by technology. When I was not there in person, I received, accepted and sent out messages through whatsapp; and emails. I often communicated with Mrs. Gemma Williams, the immediate past Secretary of the GCF who had accepted our request to work along with the new Secretary, Mrs. Maria Leung to guide her. This was discussed and
agreed to by the executive of the federation. Mrs. Williams and I would have discussed the agenda for the GCF as well as plans for the improvement of the sport and the organisation. It is always difficult to fathom or comprehend when someone close and seemingly involved would want to pull in a different direction to what is agreed to. What is even worse is that it can spell destruction for the future of many talented young sportsmen and women. The illegal meeting that was held and came up with an IMC to govern the sport would not see the light of day. Those persons who would have instigated this unconstitutional gathering, with their own motive (s) will be held accountable for their actions. This unacceptable behavior shows disrespect for myself and those who try to uplift the standards of the GCF, in spite of the challenges being faced. No association or federation in Guyana is without challenges; we must do things in the correct manner at all times and be weary of those who are seeking power by all and any means possible. Guyana has very talented
young people who need to be exposed and chosen for worldwide activities and are depending on those senior, responsible folks to make it happen for them. Being selfish, dishonest, and uncaring will get those who are arrogant and discontented nowhere. I would like all those who are involved and concerned to know and do the right things by exhibiting the best qualities and attitudes for success. It must be known too, that I contacted UCI (The International Cycling Union) and COPACI (Confederation PanAmerican Cycling International) and sent them a copy of the Constitution. They replied and confirmed that, “Mr. Horace Burrowes is the only recognised President of the GCF, and he will be the President until the new elections in 2019. I would be home shortly to deal with this and other pressing matters of the federation. I would like to reaffirm my commitment towards the real development of our riders and am seeking to work with persons who are selfless in similar pursuits. Horace Burrowes, P r e s i d e n t Guyana Cycling Federation
Kaieteur News
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2016 Busta Champion of Champions
Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets and Young Warriors advance to Semi-finals
Clinton Pestano and Delbert Hicks. The 2016 Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club organised Busta Champion of Champions 20/20 tournament got off to a successful start at the Area ‘H’ Ground on Sunday last. The tournament sponsored by the Guyana Beverage Company which started in 2004, is currently in its 14th edition and involves eight teams – West Berbice, Blairmont, Tucker Park, Young Warriors, Police, Albion, Upper Corentyne and Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets (RHTGG). On Sunday, playing infront of a capacity crowd – Yo u n g Wa r r i o r s a n d RHTGG advanced to the semi-finals where they would play each other. In the first match, West Berbice won the toss and inserted Young Warriors to take first strike under dark clouds. Alex Algu and Wahied Edwards added 30 for the first wicket off four overs before Algu ran himself out for an attacking 26 with two massive sixes. Edwards was then dismissed for 9 and when Seon Hetemyer was caught behind off Rendel Bobb for 4, Young Warriors were in trouble at 40 for 3 in the 6th over. Useful contributions from former national player Gajannand Singh 33, Linden Austin 24 and Vishal
Mohabir 18 enabled Young Wa r r i o r s t o r e a c h a respectable total of 143 for 7 off their allotted 20 overs. Clabius Fraser 2 for 26 and Rennison Mitchell 3 for 21 were the best bowlers for West Berbice. In reply, West Berbice could only manage 127 all out in 19.4 overs as only Leon Andrews 34, Rennison Mitchell 20 and Raffel Estraido 18 offered any resistance to the bowling of pacer Sudesh Dhani 3 for 17 (4 overs) and Balram Samaroo 2 for 7 as Young Warriors won by 16 runs. RHTGG defeated Upper Corentyne as Delbert Hicks, Clinton Pestano and skipper Shawn Perriera enjoyed a good match. Batting first after losing the toss, the home team reached 34 without loss in the fifth over before national player Royston Crandon was bowled by medium pacer Lakeram Latchman for 23 (2 sixes, 2 fours). Former national player Delbert Hicks and Jason Sinclair then added 105 for the 3rd wicket in eleven overs before Sinclair was dismissed by Tameshwar Ramoutar for 40 which consisted of four boundaries and a six. The attacking Hicks was finally dismissed for a majestic 85 which featured
seven glorious boundaries and four massive sixes. Former Guyana junior cricket Clinton Pestano then blasted an even unbeaten fifty off just fourteen deliveries with five massive sizes and four boundaries as RHTGG reached 195 for 3 off 20 overs. Latchman, Tameshwar Ramoutar and Tameshwar Kumar were among the wickets for the Upper Corentyne Team. Needing to score at 9.75 per over to advance to the semi-finals, the visitors were bowled out for 117 in 1 5 . 4 o v e r s . Vi r e n d r a Gooniah 31, Tameshwar Kumar 24 and Naeem Yacoob 16, were the only batsmen to reach double figures as leg spinner Shawn Perriera spun webs around the batsmen to take 4 wickets for 17 runs, while left arm spinner Keith Simpson 2 for 12 and medium pacer Clinton Pestano 2 or 23 also bowled well for the defending Champions. Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster at the launching of the ceremony, stated that the Busta Cup was the premier Cricket Tournament of the RHTY&SC which organises at least twenty per year. The Busta Champion of Champions, he stated is always well organised and promoted by the Cricket Development Committee of the RHTY&SC and always receives support from the general public. Among the numerous national cricketers that have played in the tournament over the years includes Devendra Bishoo, Narsingh Deonarine, Assad Fudadin and Royston Crandon.
Wednesday December 14, 2016
Better Hope SC to host Softball fixtures on Sunday Better Hope SC on the East Coast of Demerara will be hosting two 20-over softball matches on Sunday starting at 13:00hrs. Better Hope Over-40 will face Fisherman XI in the first encounter before Better Hope Legion square off with East Coast Masters. Trophies are being provided by Dereck Auto Sale of Regent Street. The teams will come from - Fisherman; Pooran Singh, Ishwar Persaud, Mukesh Persaud, Jaggernauth Singh, Doodnauth Sookram,
Wallack Joseph, Nadir Baksh, Anil Rambarran, Jagdesh Persaud, Hafeez Samad, Ramo Malone, Ramesh Kissoon, David Harper, Halim Majeed, Deodat Hemraj, Omar Seedyal, Robert Comaheo and Barlow Balram. Better Hope Over-40; Seeraj Bhimsain, D. Mohabir, R. Myers, M. Arjune, V. Deebra, R. Persaud, K. Jaikarran, S. Kumar, C. Sahadeo, R. Bhawan, R. Haripaul and C. Boyer. Better Hope Legion; K.
Mangra, C. Mangra, H. Dhanraj, A. Sanichara, B. Singh, S. Ishmael, L. Harper, S. Bishan, R. Dukhu, D. Sukhdeo, John Kissoon and Kennard Luke. East Coast All Stars; Suresh Dookram, Veno Lall, Balkaran Persaud, Jaikissoon Sukhai, Trevor Watson, Herman Watson, Naiem Chan, Sheik Mohamed, Khemraj Chanderpaul, Basil B r a d s h a w, P a r m a n a n d Singh, Kamal Persaud, Humanichal Ramnarine and Roopnarine Persaud.
P&P Insurance Brokers Annual GSSF Christmas Practical Pistol shoot on this weekend
Mr. Vikash Panday (left) of P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Ltd. hands over the sponsorship funds to GSSF Practical Shooting Chair, Mr. David Dharry in the presence of GSSF Board Members, Dr. Pravesh Harry and Mr. Ryan McKinnon (right). Local practical shooters will for the second year be given an opportunity to participate in the Annual Christmas Practical Pistol shoot which has been exclusively sponsored by P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited and hosted by the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation. This much anticipated competition will be held at the GDF’s Timehri Ranges this weekend. For the second consecutive year, the match will usher in the festive Christmas season and hopefully brings lots of cheer to the members and local pistol aces as they compete in the final competition for the GSSF’s calendar year. Competitors will be separated into two divisions based on their firearm setup:
Production Division (for out of the factory firearms) and Limited Division (where some add-ons and higher end aftermarket parts are allowed.) Chairman of the Practical Shooting Committee and Match Director Mr. David Dharry, noted with sponsorship from P&P Insurance Brokers & Consultants Limited, prizes for the Top Three Overall Shooters in each division are guaranteed. Preparations are on stream for the match which will feature four exciting stages according to a release from the Match Committee. The divisions which will be recognised are Limited and Production. Mr. Dharry noted that the Match will be open to all experienced Practical Pistol Shooters of Guyana and advised competitors to pre-
r e g i s t e r. I n t e r e s t e d sanctioned practical shooters wanting to come out to have some safe shooting fun, can contact any Committee Member of the GSSF, visit www.guyanasportshooting. com for further details or simply send an email to info@guyanasportshooting. com indicating their interest to participate. Practical shooting is regarded as any type of sport shooting that involves engaging targets while having to move with the firearm. The handgun element of sport simultaneously measures the ability of the competitor to shoot rapidly and accurately with a full power handgun in a safe, fair, fun and competitive environment. Scoring takes (Continued on page 31)
Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 14, 2016
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ECB names team for GCB GABA unable to procure 50-over franchise league venue for League of Champions -postpones competition to January
Ricardo Adams The Essequibo Cricket Board has named their team to contest the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board 50over franchise league following two trial matches that were held over the weekend. In the first game played at Pomona on Saturday, Royan Fredericks XI defeated Akeni Adams XI by three wickets. Batting first, Adams XI scored 212-7 in 35 overs. Huckumchand Savitir made 65 while Ricardo Peters got 39; Imran Khan grabbed 4-18. Fredericks XI responded with 213-7 in 33 overs.
Lennox Andrews struck 88 and Kamal Khan made 25. Adams claimed 3-26 and pacer Leorayan Ramlakhan 2-42. In the second game played on Sunday at Imam Bacchus ground, Anthony Adams XI beat Fredericks XI by 148 runs. Adams XI took first strike and posted 266-7 in 50 overs. Ricardo Adams struck four fours and eight sixes in scoring 105, while Chetram Persaud got 44 and Parmesh Parsotam 25. Fredericks had 3-40. Fredericks XI were 118-8 when the game was called off. Nokta Moses
Imran Khan scored 31 and Ryan Adams 2 6 ; Wa y n e O s b o u r n e snared 2-17, Ricardo Adams 2-18 and Kevin Gordon 2-24. The team selected reads; Ronsford Beaton, Anthony Adams, Keemo Paul, Kevon Boodie, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ricardo Adams, Kevin Gordon, Parmesh Parsotam, Ricardo Peters, Avinash Persaud, Wayne Osborne, Nokta Moses and Chetram Persaud. The stand bys are Rovendra Parsram, Imran Khan, Rayon Fredericks, Hukumchand Savitir and Lennox Andrews.
The Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) has “regrettably” informed its members that it is unable to commence its annual ‘League of Champions’ Tournament to close out the year owed to them being unable to procure a venue. “GABA initially was able to secure the use of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall for a start date of November 16, 2016. However, the National Sports Commission (NSC) indicated that the backboard was in a shattered state at the time the tournament was slated to commence,” the Georgetown sub-association said in a press release. The GABA said that subsequently it contacted the NCS to determine how soon the backboard was expected to be replaced. “Consideration was also given by GABA to explore
Andrew Hercules the use of the National Gymnasium as an alternative through the NSC, but this effort has proven futile to date,” the release continued. Th e th en propos ed fixture would have seen the
completion of the League on the December 16. The tournament would have allowed for both the seniors and under-23 categories to participate in the competition simultaneously. “In the circumstances, consideration is also given to taking the tournament outdoors to Burnham Court. However, given the current unpredictable weather patte r n a n d t h e additional expenditure in the areas of lights etc., GABA has decided to postpone the tournament to the second week of January 2017,” the missive added. The sub-association said that it will use this period to seek sponsorship and notify Clubs of the number of registered players under the aegis of the association. Plaisance Guardians Coach, Andrew Hercules is GABA President.
Trophy Stall Doubles Tennis tournament
Downes/Andrews take down Squires/ GDF arrest Conquerors to end DeJonge in Men’s Open Quarters
in pole after 1st round; Buxton and Victoria Kings post wins
By Franklin Wilson The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has sounded a stern warning that they are real contenders for their biggest title yet when they inflicted a 3-1 whipping on Fruta Conquerors to end the first round of the Stag Elite League unbeaten on Sunday night last at the Buxton Community Centre ground, ECD. Home team Buxton playing in the feature match were also in a no nonsense mood as they hammered Topp XX 3-0, while Victoria Kings needled Monedderlust; the East Coast teams enjoying a great night.
The Army virtually sealed the game in the first half thanks to a double off the boot of Jeremy Pereira who blasted the nets in the 7th and 11th minute. Despite Fruta Conquerors pulling one back in the 34th minute when Jermaine Junior hammered home, the Soldiers restored their twogoal cushion four minutes to the half time whistle when the dependable Eusi Phillips scored. The second half failed to produce any goals but the job was already done in the first 45-minutes by the GDF. After the match was blown off there was a scuffle amongst some players which resulted in red cards being issued to Conquerors’ Jermain Junior and Dwayne Lindie as well as the GDF’s Delwin Fraser, all the cards were issued in the 90+3 minute. Victoria Kings in their first season at this level ended on a high with a 1-0 win over
We s t B e r b i c e ’ Monedderlust, the goal was scored by Seon Robinson one minute to the half way mark. Buxton United, playing on home turf for the first time in the Stag Elite League made sure that the memories would remain sweet by thumping Linden’s Topp XX 3-0 on account of goals from Dillon Wright in the 15th minute, Denver Dennis in the 37th and Nixon Robertson in the 80th minute. The teams will now benefit from a long break and will resume rivalry in February (5th, 8th, 12th) of 2017 when they collide in a League Leaders Tournament ahead of the second half of the SEL which will kick off on February 19th at the GDF ground with Topp XX facing Fruta Conquerors and the GDF matching skills with Victoria Kings in the main attraction.
With 16 of 66 matches remaining at the close of Saturday, several tennis players welcomed the return of former Men’s Champion Phillip Squires to local tennis competition at the National Racquet Centre who teamed up with friend and former Non-Pariel club member Joseph DeJonge in the Men’s Open Doubles of the Trophy Stall sponsored tournament. The combination provided no great challenge as they were taken down 6/1, 6/1 by the lethal force of Anthony Downes/Jason Andrews who are the most decorated doubles champions in recent years. In other Men’s Open Doubles Quarters, the Oswin Coggins/Stephen Bailey consistent partnership continues to pay off as they out-maneuvered Jamal Goodluck/Darren King 6/4 6/2. Ladies Open Doubles: In the longest match of the tournament, which lasted 3 hours and 12 minutes, the young pair of Alana Chung/Margaret Subryan braved the blistering heat to
outlast Diana Bharat/Kizzy Richmond in the Quarters in three sets 7/5 4/6 6/3, while the team of former Ladies Champion Shawna Gentle and newcomer Fiona Bushell def Kalyca Fraser/Ciara Pooran 6/3 6/3. The Gentle/Bushell combination seemed very coordinated as they played a tactful game controlling their play to finish points quickly and conserve energy. In the semis, they will meet the emerging Ladies Doubles force of Afruica Gentle/Cristy Campbell who received a free ride to the semis with a walkover from Amanda Roberts/Deina Sandbeharry. Mixed Open Doubles: In the Round of 16, Joshua Kalekyezi/Alana Chung received a walkover from Jamal Goodluck/Grace McCalman, while in the Quarters, strong service games and crafty net play of the Heimraj Resaul/Kalyca Fraser pair got the better of the relatively new partnership of Jordan Beaton/Ciara Pooran 6/1 6/4 to advance to the semis. In a highly contested match, the
stealth combination of the young power duo Mark McDonald/Nicola Ramdyhan edged past Robert Bostwick/Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan in three sets 7/6(7-3) 7/5. As expected, big serves were traded between Coach Shelly and daughter Nicola, but it was the feisty Mark McDonald who provided ample support for his partner at the net, putting pressure on their opponents and forcing errors to concede points early. A showdown is expected when they meet Heimraj Resaul/Kalyca Fraser in the semis. Men’s Over 35 Doubles Round Robin: L e y l a n d Leacock/Ronald Murray secured two wins, first by easily defeating Albert Razick/Harry Panday 6/1 6/2. In their other match a g a i n s t A l e x Almeida/Sandeep Chand, it took three sets 6/4 4/6 6/3 with the sharp net play and cross court angles by both Chand and Almeida which came a surprise counter attack to similar tactics from Leacock/Murray.
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday December 14, 2016
GNRA Smallbore Annual Championship Shoot
Dale Hing, Richards, Hopkinson, Surujbali Persaud and Azaad Hassan are top guns
GuyanaNRA Smallbore Section Top Shots for 2016 from left, Dale Hing, Gordon Richards, Harold ‘Top Gun’ Hopkinson, Surujbali Persaud and Azaad Hassan. Captain and Vice Captain of the Smallbore section of the Guyana National Rifle Association Overall (GuyanaNRA) Dale Hing and Gordon Richards led by example as they captured the top two positions in the top five overall as the targets were pulled to bring an end to the 2016 season on Sunday last at the Timehri R i f l e R a n g e s , Ya r r o w k a b r a , L i n d e n Soesdyke Highway. The event was the Smallbore sections marquee event, the national championships which was
sponsored by Shoe Source, Java Coffee Bar, Secure Innovation and Concepts. Hing tallied 604 points to relegate Richards top the second place with 594 points. Harold ‘Top Gun’ Hopkinson had to settle for the third place with 578 points with Surujbali Persaud and Azaad Hassan in fourth and fifth place on 576 and 548 points respectively. Sunday’s shoot saw a combination of all the sections, Precision and Practical Pistol scores being tallied to arrive at the overall top five shots in the nation.
Senior and junior shooters were on show but for the honour of being called overall champion, only the senior shooters were considered due to the fact that many of the junior shooters were first time competitors. The GuyanaNRA is expressing thanks to the corpora t e e n t i t i e s t h a t have contributed towards the success of the event including Shoe Source, Java Coffee Bar, Secure Innovation and Concepts and all its members.
Ninvalle for AIBA Congress in Montreux President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, is scheduled to leave for Switzerland this weekend to attend an AIBA Extraordinary Congress. The Congress is slated for Fairmont Le Montreux Palace in Montreux, a traditional resort town on Lake Geneva and runs from December 19-21. While there Ninvalle will make a case for funding for two international tournaments to be held in Guyana next year. The first is the second edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors in April and the first ever Inter Guianas boxing tournament scheduled for October.
Letter to the Sports Editor
The Kaieteur Sports agenda on Juman Yassin
Steve Ninvalle While in Switzerland, the GBA president will also attend a special gala Black Tie ball in recognition of AIBA’s 70th anniversary. In 2014 Ninvalle became the first person from CARICOM to be elected to AIBA’s Executive Committee.
The International Boxing Association (AIBA) is a nonprofit international organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the sole governing boxing body worldwide, with 200 member associations.
Dear Sir, One need not to be an expert detective to recognise the work of a lynch mob. There are little tell- tale signs that will give it away. The job being done by the Kaieteur News Sport Department on President of the Guyana Olympic Association K. Juman Yassin is beginning to reveal some of those signs. Quite frankly I have seen enough in the Kaieteur News about Juman Yassin and the upcoming Guyana Olympic Association elections. When I say enough, I mean enough on one thing over and over. It is appalling that readers have to be
subjected to the same story every time…Yassin must go Ya s s i n m u s t g o a n d sometimes Go Yassin. Is it that the Kaieteur News Sport department has space to waste? Can’t these reporters give us something with a little more depth? Isn’t there scope for proper journalistic work. Have these same gentlemen asked heads of associations their views on the upcoming elections? Is there a Sports Editor who gives direction? Can’t he ask that real journalistic work be done and not regurgitate the same old lame story every few days. The entire scenario has become a turn off and in my
humble opinion has failed to gain the traction that the Kaieteur News Sports Department wrongly envisaged it would. Maybe that’s why none of the other dailies have seen it fit to follow suit. To put it simply the work done on Yassin only paints a clear picture of Kaieteur Sport being in the vanguard for his removal. CNN played a similar role against Donald Trump in the recent USA elections and it turned out that while everyone has a right to his own opinion, everyone does not have a right to his own facts. Yours sincerely, R. Pilgrim.
Wednesday December 14, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Adams is new Director of ‘Reds’ donates first pieces of memorabilia to Sports Archives cricket, Pybus steps down at National Racquet Centre By Sean Devers Wi t h r a i n p o u r i n g outside, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perriera yesterday presented to National Sports Commission (NSC) a stump from the hundredth Test match he commentated in when West Indies played Australia at Sabina Park in 1984 and a can of Beer specially made for the 1980 tour of Australia when West Indies won their first series down under. The presentation was made for the National Sports Archives which will be housed at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue. The 77-year-old, who has commentated on 147 Test matches, presented the pieces of memorabilia to Director of Sports Christopher Jones and Chairman of the NSC Ivan Persaud at NSC building on Homestretch Avenue as the first donation for the Sports Archives which is the brainchild Perriera. Jones informed that when Perriera told him about the idea, he thought it was a good one and began looking for an appropriate location. Jones said he visited the NRC over the weekend and found a place there to accommodate the soon to be opened Archives. “There are cricket museums in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada but none here in Guyana. This archive will not only be for cricket but all sports to allow especially the young generation, know who are some of our outstanding cricketers and sports persons,” said Perriera, former advisor to Minister of Sports Shirley fields-Riddle. Perriera said that each
player and West Indian journalist was given a can of Beer which was made for the tour and he kept his for 36 years and now he wants it to be a part of the Archives. Perriera, who donated the first two items, suggested a quick start to the project, those who have played Test cricket and are still in Guyana, should be approached while the relatives of the late Roy Fredericks and Ivor Mendonca, both former Test players could donate West Indies caps or other pieces of their equipment if they still have them. “Players like Sarwan, Chanderpaul, Reon King, Colin Stuart, Travis Dowlin, Sewnarine Chattergoon and Brandon Bess are former Test players and I am sure they would be willing to contribute while those who live overseas should be contacted for their support,” said Perriera who now lives in St Lucia. Perriera, who has worked in every Test playing nation except Bangladesh, said the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) has many photos on their wall from 1930 when West Indies won its first Test match at Bourda and arrangements could be made with the club to get copies of some of what they have. Perriera said the cricket museum in T&T is housed at the Queens Park Oval and is not easily accessible to the
public, especially young people. Jones said Woolford Avenue is the perfect location since they are several schools on the street and when up and running the Sports Archive will be an education in Sports history which will hopefully inspire the students to greatness. The Pomeroon born Perriera showed Jones and Persaud the autographed cricket shirt presented to him by the Guyana team who opposed Barbados in the first ever First-Class game under lights in Guyana and which ended on Monday night at Providence. This was Perriera’s final First-Class game as a commentator as he has now retired from all cricket c o m m e n t a r y. H e w a s presented with an autographed shirt by the Barbados team, one of the match balls which were signed by the match officials, a stump used in the game and signed by the Umpires and the WICB official present at the game. The stump was the GCB’s retirement gift to the veteran commentator although there was no GCB executive present at the match to hand it over to him. Guyana Captain Leon Johnson also ordered a cake on behalf of his team which Perriera shared with each member of the NCN commentary team that covered the historic game.
P O RT O F S PA I N , Trinidad, CMC- Former West Indies batsman Jimmy Adams is the new director of cricket for the West Indies Cricket Board, according to regional media reports. Adams, who represented West Indies as player and captain during his career, replaces Englishman Richard Pybus who did not seek to renew his contract, the Trinidad Guardian reported. There are also reports
that a new head coach, Australian Stuart Law, has been appointed to fill the position left vacant by Phil Simmons who was fired in September. The decision to fill the two positions were reportedly taken at the weekend at the WICB’s final quarterly meeting which took place in St Maarten. Jamaican Adams resigned as head coach of English county side Kent earlier this year after serving
five seasons between 2012 and October 2016. Pybus is expected to remain for a while to ease Adams into the position. Law, 48, is the former coach of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh who played one Tes t an d 5 4 o n e d ay internationals for Australia. His first assignment will be to lead the regional team in February when England visits the Caribbean for a series of three one day internationals.
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Wednesday December 14, 2016
Batson all-round effort sees Farm into final, Narayan guides Ruimveldt to seven-run win By Zaheer Mohamed Farm and Ruimveldt have booked their places in the final of the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association 50-over tournament after recording victories in the respective semi final games played last weekend at Farm. F a r m w e r e l a rg e l y indebted to Oslyn Batson who struck 62 and grabbed five wickets on their way to a 99-run victory over Sandpipers on Sunday. Batson hit two fours and five sixes in a top score of 62 as Farm recovered to post 211-9 after the game was reduced to 40 overs. Having been reduced to 6-2, Shivram Persaud and Ricky Debydial revived the innings with a third-wicket stand of 53 before Persaud
went for 38 while Debydial made 32. Following their demise Farm lost a few quick wickets before Batson held the lower order together with levelheaded batting in front of a fair sized crowd. Elvis Salik and Mahendra Dhanpaul supported Batson with 36 and 19 respectively as J. Mc Alistair picked up three wickets and Orin Marks two. Sandpipers were bowled out for 112 in reply. Colin Benn made 25 as Batson finished with 5-20 from 7.4 overs, while A. Peerbacchus had 3-28. On Saturday, Ruimveldt overcame Eccles by seven runs in a rain interrupted game. Batting first, Ruimveldt lost four wickets before Danny Narayan anchored the innings as he
Oslyn Batson shared in useful partnerships with Ershad Ally and Daniel Paul. Narayan struck seven fours and three sixes in a brisk 72 as Ruimveldt posted 206 all out in 34.4 overs. Ally made 33 and Paul 23 as Kelvin Singh captured 3-17 and Kishan Singh 3-33.
Daniel Barker Daniel Barker and Lenny Pancham added 44 for the opening stand to get Eccles reply off to a fine start before Pancham went for 29. Eccles then lost three quick wickets before the rain stopped play with the score on 98-4 in 22.4 overs.
When play restarted after over an hour delay, Eccles were set a revised target of 161 in 35 overs, needing a further 63 from 13 overs, and they seemed on course with Barker timing the ball well. But when he departed after hitting six fours and
Danny Narayan one six in scoring 68, the efforts of the remaining batsmen were not enough to see their team home as they were bowled out for 154 in 33.5 overs. Ma r k i e R o o p c h a n d made 19 as Narayan claimed 3-24 and Ally 230.
Wednesday December 14, 2016
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Steyn targets June 2017 return from injury ESPNcricinfo - Dale Steyn is targeting June 2017 for a comeback, which could mean he will only turn out for South Africa during their
tour to England next year. Steyn, who is five away from overtaking Shaun Pollock as South Africa’s top Test wicket-taker, was ruled out
Dale Steyn underwent a successful shoulder surgery in Cape Town a month ago © Cricket Australia/Getty Images
Dowlin added to selection panel for WICB
Travis Dowlin St John’s, ANTIGUA – Former West Indies Test cricketer, Travis Dowlin is the latest addition to the selection panel of the West Indies Cricket Board. He will start official duties, January 1, 2017. Dowlin represented Guyana from 1997 to 2011. During that time, he played 85 first-class matches scoring 4,013 runs at an average of 30.7; 57 List A matches scoring 1,189 runs at an average of 24.5 and 24 Twenty20 matches at an average of 29.05. In 2009 he was Guyana’s Captain for that season and
in 2010 he captained the West Indies A team tour to Bangladesh. Dowlin went on to represent the West Indies in six (6) Tests. He made 343 runs, 95 being his highest score. He ended with an average of 31.8. He played 11 ODIs totaling 228 runs at an average of 25.33 and two Twenty20s where he scored 68 runs. Dowlin has been a cricket analyst for the past three years, at both regional and international levels and has done radio commentary for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and regional matches held in Guyana. He was also selected as a member of the radio commentary panel for the final leg of the recently concluded Tri-Series held in the West Indies. He currently attends University of Guyana where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications. He already holds a Diploma in Communications. Dowlin joins Courtney Browne – Chairman, Eldine Baptiste and Lockhart Sebastien to complete the panel.
for at least six months after breaking a bone in his right shoulder during the second day of the Perth Test last month and hopes to begin light activity by February. “The first two to three months is just the healing phase so by the end of February I will start to be able to do things like light bowling, start swimming and all that kind of stuff,” Steyn said, during the match between the national cricket
and rugby teams in Newlands last week. Steyn all but ruled himself out of the domestic season and the IPL but left the door open for participation in the Champions Trophy which begins on June 1. South Africa will play three ODIs in England before that, followed by three T20s at the end of June and four Tests in July and August. Doubtless, Steyn will need some game
time before June but he insisted he will not rush his way back, as he has done before. “June is realistic for South Africa. I haven’t had a long break like this in a good few years and every season I go into it with something wrong, whether it be a little hammie or whatever. It will be nice to go into a season, starting in June, and confidently know that I am really strong and in a good
place,” he said. Steyn was particularly satisfied that he left South Africa’s attack in solid hands and was impressed with the way they stood up in his absence in Australia. “We definitely out-bowled Australia and that’s why we ended up winning. Our batters all contributed in parts but at the end of the day, I think it was our bowlers that won it.” He admitted to having (Continued on page 31)
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Wednesday December 14, 2016
STAG Nations Cup kicks off today at Golden Grove Teams from GFA, Berbice and East coast to battle; NSC on board The STAG Nations Cup knock-out, five association football championship is set to kick off today at the Golden Grove ground, East Coast Demerara, with teams from Georgetown, Berbice and East Coast to aiming to stake a claim for the top prize of 2 Million dollars. There is no room for mistakes in this format of the
game and thoughts of a win is all that each of the four teams on display tonight will be harbouring as the minutes tick down to kick-off time. Facing off in the feature match will be home team Golden Stars against Berbice’ New Amsterdam United. Home advantage might give the Stars the edge in this
match but the lads from the East will be as confident as the host team tonight. Golden Stars will look to the likes of Akowo Jack, Derick Thomas, Calvin Lilly, Victor Solomon, Stephon Walcott, Peter Wilson, Kelvin Glasgow, Collis Josiah, Alex Mahaica, Lloyd Daniels, Malcolm Walcott, Jamal Woodman,
Roundel Liverpool, Carlos Kingston, Mellon Semple, Dequan Douglas, Shamar Kingston, Cevon Montrose, Jeffrey Charles, Andy Stephen, Ottis Wright and Randy King to deliver a win for them tonight. NA United will hope to spoil the home team party and will unleash the following players in their
Director of Sport Christopher Jones (left) hands over footballs to EBFA President, Franklin Wilson. hope to achieve same: Adrian Adams (Captain), Leonardo Adams, Jason Drakes, Quinn Hazel, Rei Joseph, Delroy Dean, Jamal Butts, Jeremy Samuels, Dexter Allen, Julian Success, Garfield Millington, Shkeel Grant, Ron Lyken, Omari Bentham, Jovano Dos Santos, Keon Williams, Dwayne Alleyne, Graham Thomas, Joshua Wilson, Ray Reddock, Sion Bacchus and Steffon Boucher. The opening match between City side Flamingo’s and Berbice’ Mahaicony Thunderhawks will be an interesting affair as neither of the two teams are familiar with each other but the experienced Flamingo’s with chief tactician Shem Porter at the helm starting with the advantage of getting into the round of 16. There to back up Porter will be another elder statesman Leon Yaw, Quincy Bourne, Deshawn Wills, Chad Rodrigues, Matthew Fletcher and Isaiah Thomas among others. The Thunderhawks will be aiming to soar to victory and will depend on their following players to see them through. Delbert Wilson (Captain), Ozese Halley, Leroy Halley, Shaka Drennon, Mark Roberts, Ty r o n Ta p p i n , B u r t o n Shepherd, David Belgrave, S h e l d o n To n e y, Tr o y Semple, Sherwyn Wills, Cleyton Roberts, David Cameron, Renrick Bynoe, Keion Sobers, Davendra Thuknauth, Ruel Chester, Fitzpatrick Chester, Wayne
McKenzie, Alestear Bovell, Kenroy Doguyar and Newt Mahaica. Meanwhile, Director of Sport Christopher Jones has made a contribution of footballs to the organisers in the interest of the continued development of the players and the game. Jones, who is expected to officially kick off the tournament later this evening at the Golden Grove ground, noted that the National Sports Commission is very happy to see five (East Bank, East Demerara, West Demerara, Berbice, Georgetown) of the affiliates of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) coming together to match skills over the next three weeks culminating with the final of New Year’s Night at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. ”I would like to wish the teams every success but only one will come out victors on the final night and walk away with the top prize of 2Million dollars. To my mind however, every team is a winner. I would like to see very competitive matches and also applaud the fact that matches are going to be played at multiple venues which will afford many of the teams’ fans to cheer them on at home.” Jones also noted that the NSC and government are committed to the real development of not only football but sports across the board and this fact is evident in the increased allocation for sports in the recently presented National Budget.
Wednesday December 14, 2016
WICB pays glowing tribute to legend Lloyd on Golden Anniversary
Clive Lloyd 50 years of service to cricket. ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC- The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) yesterday paid glowing tribute to Clive Lloyd, the former West Indies captain for his 50 years of service to the game. The legendary former Windies skipper made his entry into international cricket on December 13, 1966 in his first Test against India at the famous Brabourne Stadium in Bombay. WICB President Dave Cameron has hailed Lloyd as a true pioneer and a man of vision as well as an outstanding ambassador and one of the game’s greatest leaders. “We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Lloyd on this, his golden anniversary on the international stage,” said Cameron. “We say a whole-hearted ‘thank you’ to a man who gave all he had to the sport and to the people”. Lloyd scored 82 and 78 not out to help West Indies defeat India by six wickets back in 1966 when he stepped onto the
international stage for the first time in a West Indies cap. Lloyd led the West Indies in 74 Test matches and won 36 and was at the helm when the West Indies won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1975 and 1979. “We all agree that his vision and leadership led to one of the greatest periods in West Indies cricket as he captained and bonded the regional side into one of the greatest sporting teams the world will ever see,” added Cameron. “He also earned great respect as an ICC match referee and Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee. In all he did, both on and off the field, the former Captain gave all he had. He is one of the greatest cricketers of all time.” L l o y d p l a y e d 11 0 matches; scored 7,515 runs (average 46.67) with a top score of 242 not out among his 19 centuries. He retired in 1985, and since then he has contributed at all levels as a coach, selectors, mentors and advisor.
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t r o Sp ‘Reds’ donates first pieces of memorabilia to Adams is new Sports Archives at National Racquet Centre Director of cricket,
Pybus steps down
‘Reds’ hands over the stump the Chairman of the NSC Ivan Persaud and Director Sports Christopher Jones to kick start the National Sports Archives which will be at the National Racquet Centre. (Sean Devers photo)
Jimmy Adams takes over from Richard Pybus
GNRA Smallbore Annual Championship Shoot Awardees from the GuyanaNRA 2016 Championship display their medals and plaques.
Dale Hing, Richards, Hopkinson, Surujbali Persaud and Azaad Hassan are top guns STAG Nations Cup kicks off today at Golden Grove Teams from GFA, Berbice and East coast to battle; NSC on board Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210